Whitmer’s ‘kitchen table’ budget stuffed with $1B of pork

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said during a 2025 budget signing ceremony in Detroit that she delivered a “kitchen table” budget.

The $82.5 billion 1,500-page budget subsidizes the alcohol industry, sports complexes, and e-bikes.

“We have delivered a pragmatic, balanced budget that delivers on the kitchen table issues,” the governor said of a budget that drained a $9 billion surplus, leaving only $350 million.

The budget allocated $1 billion for pork projects hand-picked by legislators. The projects face no vetting or competitive process, and the recipient does not have to account for how the money was spent. The budget includes the following:

• Sporting events: Stadiums and sports complexes will receive $25 million.

• Distilled spirits: A whiskey business in Grand Traverse County will get $2 million to grow Rosen rye, a crop rarely found in Michigan, to serve as an ingredient in a new whiskey venture. The funding recipient aims to redevelop a former corrections site in Grand Traverse County into an agricultural tourism attraction.

• Talking to the animals: Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, will get $10 million.

• Museums: Five museums will receive a total of $13 million.

• Arts galore: The budget gave more than $3 million for arts programs.

• Charge it: Taxpayers will pick up a $25 million tab for electric vehicle charging stations.

• The wheel goes ’round: Legislators approved $3 million in incentives to purchase e-bikes.

• Start a business and get cash: The Michigan Innovation Fund will receive $60 million to give to business startups.

The budget cut some funding areas. Deposits to the pension fund for public school teachers will drop by $670 million. Spending on student mental health and safety was cut by $300 million — a 92% cut from the previous figure.

Northern Michigan needs infrastructure improvements, said Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen. He requested money for sewer system upgrades, road repairs and a fire truck, according to a press release.