North Michigan News

State Sen. Ed McBroom on Thursday announced the adoption of the fiscal year 2025 annual budget, which includes key investments in the Upper Peninsula.

"This budget is the culmination of months of work and negotiations," said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. "While I remain disappointed by the majority’s prioritizing of programs, the budget process was open to numerous efforts I made for the U.P. and to bring more transparency, reduction of debt, and increased accountability to state bureaucracy. Additionally, the critical funding for the delivery of babies in the western U.P. after the loss of Ontonagon hospital and the improvements to Munising’s hospital are incredibly important for the U.P. people and economy."

Specific to the Upper Peninsula, disaster relief funds were appropriated to Marquette and Baraga counties to assist with flood damages not covered by federal funds.

"While being in the minority has reduced the level of support the U.P. has received over the last two years, I am proud that our team has been able to get support from my colleagues on several very critical hospital and infrastructure needs," McBroom said. "Budget negotiations have also leveraged significant support for infrastructure grants for Gogebic County, matched by Highland Copper, in constructing an already permitted new copper mine. The House has already approved this $50 million, and we expect the Senate to act soon."