It's Michigan's budget season, and we are calling on our state representatives to put Michiganders' healthy future first when creating its budget.
Michigan needs a budget that supports community resiliency as energy costs rise and the impacts of climate change worsen. We must invest in better energy efficiency, cleaner air, and sustainable transportation by reducing heating costs, updating homes, and expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging.
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program will help Michiganders access safer, more affordable heating options. In addition to its widespread benefits, this program will lower energy bills and improve air quality for the 327,000 rural households relying on delivered fuels.
Improving the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program will allow more families to weatherize their homes and save energy money while promoting long-term energy security.
A significant investment in EV charging and transportation will help position Michigan as a national leader in clean transportation, ensuring all communities, including rural areas, have access to EV technology.
We must continue our commitment to workforce development by supporting the Going PRO Talent Fund. This funding will equip our workers with the necessary skills for high-demand jobs in the EV and clean energy sectors, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Finally, we urge an increase of $50 million to bolster local bus operating funds, ensuring that all Michiganders have access to work, food, schools, and healthcare across all 83 counties.
Together, these investments represent a commitment to the future of Michigan—one that prioritizes energy efficiency, economic opportunity, and environmental health for all.
FY26 Budget Priorities Facts
Reducing Heating Costs for Rural Michiganders ($5 million – EGLE)
- Adding targeted funding to the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program housed in EGLE will help more families in rural communities cover upfront costs associated with switching to safer, more affordable heat sources.
- This investment will reduce energy bills, improve air quality and benefit Michigan’s 327,000 households, many of which are located in rural areas, that rely on delivered fuels for heating and cooking.
- Families who depend on delivered fuels like propane face higher costs and increased indoor health risks compared to those using electricity, research shows.
Helping Families Update and Weatherize Their Homes to Save Money and Conserve Energy ($10 million – MDHHS)
- Shifting a greater share of existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP) federal energy assistance funds toward weatherization will help address rising energy costs for many families.
- This will also encourage updates and weatherization of older homes to put money back in families’ pockets and conserve energy.
- Increasing Michigan’s allocation from 10% to the full 15% allowed by law will provide savings for families, reduce reliance on short-term crisis assistance, promote long-term energy security and provide homeowners with greater self-sufficiency.
Expanding EV Charging and Fleets ($45 million – EGLE)
- Proactively funding EV infrastructure and fleets helps Michigan stay competitive with other states, fills gaps in federal funding and helps position the state as a national leader in clean transportation.
- This investment builds on Michigan’s ongoing efforts to grow EV charging accessibility, leveraging the existing Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure Program within EGLE and expanding it to include vehicle grants.
- Expanding charging networks and clean fleet funding ensures rural areas, multifamily residents and small businesses have the same access to EV technology, reducing transportation costs and improving air quality for all communities.
Supporting the Going PRO Talent Fund
- Continued investment in the Going PRO Talent Fund ensures workers gain the skills needed for high-demand jobs in the EV and clean energy sectors, keeping Michigan at the forefront of innovation.
- Funding helps small- and medium-sized businesses train employees through on-the-job training and apprenticeships, building a strong talent pipeline while creating and retaining good-paying jobs.
Supporting the Energy Revolving Fund ($5 million - DTMB)
- The Energy Revolving Fund will support transitioning the state’s fleets to electric vehicles.
- The revolving fund also provides resources to support strategic investments by state agencies in clean energy technology, renewable energy and initiatives that reduce energy costs.
Supporting the State Fleet Transition to Electric ($1 million - DTMB)
- Transitioning the state fleet to EVs reduces fuel and maintenance costs, leading to long-term savings for taxpayers while improving government efficiency.
- Investing in state fleet electrification supports local EV manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers and the broader clean mobility supply chain, strengthening Michigan’s economy for years to come.
Investing in Local Bus Operating ($50 million increase to $276 million total - MDOT)
- Investing in Michigan’s full transportation system (buses, trains, senior services, ferries, pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, etc.) will enable all Michiganders as they go to work, school, doctor’s appointments and more, even if they can’t drive or their car breaks down.
- This investment will support all 77 public transit services in all 83 Michigan counties which together provide more than 45 million rides each year.
- MDOT has allocated a portion of state gas tax funds to local public transit for 75 years. This increased investment restores that support, addressing increased costs and needs local agencies are facing and preventing shut downs of essential local services.