House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin and the Michigan House today took two key procedural steps to complete last year’s budget and take unnecessary talk about a possible government shut down off the table as the Legislature begins work on the 2025-26 state budget.

The House approved budget bills that make adjustments necessary to close the books on the state’s most recently completed fiscal year, which ended six months ago.

“We are closing the books on the last budget and opening the books for the next in a productive way,” said Bollin, R-Brighton Township.

 Bollin added that the rhetoric that has circulated since the start of the new legislative term about a possible budget standoff shutting down state government is unwarranted and unhelpful. So, the House took a vote today to remove any doubt that the core functions of state government will continue beyond Oct. 1.

“We took a responsible, commonsense step to keep the focus where it should be — on crafting a balanced, thoughtful budget that meets the needs of Michigan residents,” Bollin said. “There is no reason to sound alarm bells about a shutdown when we have every expectation that the House, Senate, and governor will come together on a full budget in the months ahead.”

House Bills 4161 and 4162 ensure continued funding for prison operations, public safety, the court system, veterans’ homes, and local government operations. It also includes record per-pupil foundation funding for schools and maintains full funding for special education, school safety and mental health, and all debt obligations.

“This step allows us to move forward preparing the 2026 budget with confidence,” Bollin said. “We will continue working toward a responsible plan that reflects Michigan’s priorities.”

The House and Senate will continue working on a full budget plan in the coming months.