Michigan governor's budget promises free education and lower family costs, but GOP says it's unfair

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants state lawmakers to prioritize increased funding to education in this year's state budget. Whitmer's budget proposal unveiled Wednesday followed a State of the State address last month when she announced initiatives to provide free community college for all high school students and free preschool for 4-year-olds. State Budget Director Jen Flood said the $80.7 billion budget was a return to normal after COVID-era funds provided a large surplus the past few years. Republicans in both the House and Senate criticized Whitmer's budget as lacking substance and not providing real value for taxpayers.