Capitol News

Senator Michael Webber voted in favor of the Michigan Senate’s fiscal year 2026 budget on Friday, emphasizing the plan’s balanced approach and targeted investments for communities in his district.

“Like families all over Michigan, state government must live within its means to be successful. I’m happy to support a budget that rolls back spending for the first time in years, helps workers by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, and makes needed investments in our roads by finally putting every penny paid in taxes at the pump back into fixing this vital infrastructure,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills.

“At the same time, we were able to empower schools with record funding and restore dangerous cuts that were previously made to school safety and mental health support for public and private schools.”

Webber also pointed out allocations intended to strengthen both the defense sector and local communities across Michigan’s 9th Senate District. As co-chair of the bipartisan legislative Michigan Aerospace and Defense Caucus, he noted $26 million earmarked for Selfridge Air National Guard Base to upgrade infrastructure. The investment aims to help Michigan compete for future military aircraft assignments.

Additionally, $5 million is allocated for the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (formerly known as the Michigan Defense Center) to assist businesses pursuing federal defense contracts, offer technical assistance during bidding processes, and bolster cybersecurity compliance.

Local projects receiving funds include $2.1 million for Sterling Heights’ fire department to replace an aging ladder truck; $2 million for Rochester Hills infrastructure improvements near Nowicki Park; $421,000 for Troy School District’s new driveway and traffic signal at Smith Middle School; $500,000 supporting renovations at Oakland Community Health Network’s Troy facility; $250,000 upgrading Utica Police Department equipment; and $175,000 continuing Common Ground Victim Assistance Program services following recent mass violence incidents.

The 9th Senate District covers Greater Rochester Area along with cities such as Troy, Sterling Heights, Utica, and parts of Oakland and Shelby townships.