Capitol News

Republican gubernatorial candidate Aric Nesbitt was among a small group of five Republican senators who opposed Michigan’s new state budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget includes funding for road repairs, increased per-pupil spending for public schools, Medicaid protections, cost reductions for residents, community safety measures, government efficiency improvements, and continued free school meals for children across the state.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer collaborated with legislative leaders from both parties to create the budget. Despite this cooperation, Nesbitt and Michigan Republican Party Chair Jim Runestad voted against it.

Nesbitt has previously taken similar positions in the Senate. He voted against repealing the retirement tax, opposed removing the 1931 abortion ban from state law, and voted against a resolution condemning former President Trump’s tax policy.

Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman said: “This budget is a major win for Michigan families and passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, but Aric Nesbitt knows that working across the aisle won’t cut it in this nasty Republican primary. Nesbitt voted against fixing the damn roads, funding public schools, and lowering costs for Michiganders. Nesbitt’s vote shows just how extreme he really is — and how far-right this primary has already gone.”