For the first time, a Black woman led Michigan's budget process | Opinion

In 2020, our country faced racial unrest that perpetuated damaging actions that would systemically influence yet another generation. The persistent gaps in health, education and wealth between Black people and their white counterparts acted as catalysts to the realities we faced. These realities forced communities and their leaders to either accept the status quo, or inspired to actively engage in a way that would create a more equitable society.

Michigan took the opportunity to lead by example, in part with a budget process that was led by, and supported by, Black women, that will assist in creating a path for addressing systemic racism. It's the first time in Michigan history a Black female lawmaker has chaired the budget appropriations committee.

Combined, we have more than 12 years of experience in the Michigan Legislature, and have been proud to serve some of Michigan’s most diverse areas. As Black women and lawmakers representing communities of color, we have been dedicated to pursuing public policies and budget investments to promote equity in the state and direct support to the kids, workers, schools, small businesses and communities that need it the most.

The 2024 state budget is one of the most equitable budgets in state history, and ensures that state funding more accurately reflects our diverse population and their needs. There has been dedicated intentionality in what we are doing and who we are helping, making sure residents with the greatest challenges are receiving the greatest support — the very definition of equity and justice.

The 2024 education budget includes a foundation allowance increase of 5% — the largest in state history; fully funded special education programs; a 50% funding increase for English-Language Learners; and the first-ever Opportunity Index to improve school funding equity and connect funding to students’ economic needs.

The budget also includes $6 million to support well-rounded curriculum and teach diverse histories so that all students better understand the experiences and histories of people of all races and ethnicities. As states like Florida move in the wrong direction, seeking to suppress culturally and historically accurate and significant learning, Michigan is serving as a strong counterpoint with our intentional efforts towards funding equity in education and teaching history accurately.

During most of our time in Lansing, our avenues for change have unfortunately been very limited. We have had to spend more time defending against bad policies and a lack of prioritization of resources than bringing about positive change.

But with the first Democratic Majority in the Michigan Senate in 40 years, we have finally had the opportunity to do things differently. And we have seized that opportunity to promote equity, justice, and a better life for all, especially in crafting and passing a transformational, bipartisan state “budget for the people.”

We are committed to keeping our residents safe and our budget also makes significant investments in community violence intervention and gun violence prevention funding. This includes money for community-based crisis response grants. There is also funding to provide training to police departments focusing on cultural awareness, tolerance, diversity, de-escalation, conflict management, and implicit bias.

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This state budget also directs funding to help improve economic equity and draw more Michiganders of color intro entrepreneurship and new industries. The budget included $12.5 million to support minority-owned businesses and the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, which helps facilitate contracts between corporations and minority businesses enterprises. The budget also included $2.9 million for a new program to increase support for food and agriculture ventures started by people of color.

This is just a small sampling of some of the state budget investments that will help improve equity in Michigan, but it notes a big shift in state government’s approach to fiscal policy. For decades, too many Michiganders — especially directly impacted communities and populations — have been largely left out of the state budget process. With this once-in-a-generation pot of money, and the opportunity it presented to us as leaders, we reinvested in our communities that are overlooked, underfunded or attended to as an afterthought.

Our entire state benefits when we flatten barriers and reduce racial disparities for Michiganders. These investments will give all residents a chance for a better future, and our budget rightfully sends the message that all people are valued, respected and supported by their state leaders.

Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Detroit) served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019 and is in her second term in the State Senate. She is the longest currently serving Black Legislator, is Chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, and Asst. Pres. Pro-Tempore of the state senate.

Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022 and was sworn into the Senate in 2023. She is the first Black legislator to Chair the Senate Appropriations Committee and is First Vice Chairperson of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Opinion: Racial inequality tackled in Michigan with a historic budget