Thread by @Dave_Boucher1

"Happy budget day!" Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, says as House and Senate lawmakers prepare to hear from Gov. Whitmer's administration on their budget proposals.

You can watch live here: misenate.viebit.com/player_live.ph…

Stamas: "Despite the differences we have...I look forward to working with the governor and our legislative colleagues" on a plan that helps our state and its people.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, speaking now. Echoes Stamas, recognizing economic uncertainty and potential learning loss due to the pandemic.

But says moving forward, "strong oversight" is a priority.

Remember, Gov. Whitmer wants the Legislature to approve a $5.6 billion (largely funded by the feds) COVID-19 relief plan.

House and Senate want to appropriate billions less, delivering funds in a piecemeal fashion after administration shows why $ needed freep.com/story/news/pol…

State Budget Director Dave Massaron (who just started in early January) presenting the governor's budget proposal.

Budget is about $67 billion; Massaron calls the budget "unique" due to COVID-19 impact on state/economy

Massaron discussing education funding now. Here's some of what he's referencing, specifically an increase in per-student funding for districts

More from Massaron on other education funding. The administration and Legislature all agree additional funds for summer school are needed -- districts are weighing how best to use these programs to combat COVID-19 learning loss

Here's more on budget proposal from @paulegan4: Whitmer targeted vaccinations, education and help for suffering businesses and the unemployed in a $67-billion state budget aimed at ensuring the state recovers quickly from the economic shock of the pandemic freep.com/story/news/loc…

Interesting map here from Massaron indicating all of the bridges in the state that are closed and need replacing.

As @paulegan4 and @midatalove recently reported, the budget proposal includes $300 million for bridge repairs freep.com/story/news/loc…

Massaron notes all sorts of issues experienced across the country when municipalities are hacked. Notes there is $20 million in the budget for enhanced cyber security.

Massaron notes the budget includes $70 million for cities, noting income tax losses due to COVID-19. As @paulegan4 noted today, the pandemic means many more people are working from home freep.com/story/news/loc…

Also note, the budget proposal still includes $5 million for Capitol security improvements (equipment and infrastructure needed to ban all guns in the statehouse).

Right now, only open carry is banned by Capitol Commission freep.com/story/news/loc…

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, asks what $ in the budget will help ensure students can return to in-person learning.

Remember, slim majority of students/districts already offer some form of in-person learning freep.com/story/news/edu…

Rep. Mary Whiteford says she has learned that almost all of $50 million in federal vaccine distribution funds provided last year hasn't been sent to local providers.

Massarone: That's not my understanding re: amount of money allocated.