Whitmer Signs Bills To Patch FY '27 Budget, Finance $1.3B In College Projects

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/21/2026) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed four bills today needed to balance the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, including legislation clearing the way to finance $1.3 billion in construction and renovation projects at Michigan's public universities and community colleges.

The bills address budget issues flagged by MIRS and the Citizens Research Council of Michigan after lawmakers approved the spending plan in July.

Two of the bills authorize financing for 27 higher education projects included in the budget.

SB 729, sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), raises the State Building Authority's debt ceiling, allowing it to finance construction and renovation projects at public universities and community colleges.

HB 5482, sponsored by Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), provides the accompanying authorization for the Legislature to appropriate money for the State Building Authority's rental payments and long-term projects.

"This budget funds new labs, renovated classrooms and modern facilities so students and faculty across the state have what they need to succeed," said State Budget Director Jen Flood. "When we build for higher education, we're building the future workforce and ideas that will carry Michigan forward."

The other two budget-balancing measures transfer money into the General Fund.

SB 569, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), transfers money under the Public Health Code to the General Fund over the next three years. HB 5109, sponsored by Rep. Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes), moves money from the Transportation Administration Collection Fund to the General Fund.

"I'm proud to have delivered eight balanced, bipartisan budgets that invest in our schools, grow our economy, create good-paying jobs and lower costs across the state," Whitmer said. "These bills will build on our work to improve higher education and balance our state budget."

Whitmer signed eight other bills addressing rental agreements, insurance rates, Medicaid kickbacks, online gambling revenue and local court funding.

SB 373, sponsored by Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), requires landlords to offer tenants at least one way to pay rent without being charged an additional fee.

"While this is a small piece in ensuring housing affordability, today's bill signing illustrates our continued commitment to tackling the housing crisis head-on and fighting for a more just, affordable Michigan for all," Cavanagh said.

SB 22, sponsored by Anthony, allows landlords to return security deposits through direct deposit or an online transfer.

"Many of us understand the relief that comes from receiving your security deposit after a long wait and the breathing room it brings to your budget," Anthony said.

SB 1013, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield Twp.), prohibits insurers from setting rates based on a customer's willingness to pay more. The legislation places into law a rule adopted by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services in 2024.

SB 1052, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), revises the definitions of Medicaid kickbacks and bribes so the law does not inadvertently prohibit fertility-preservation services, travel assistance or care coordination.

HB 6130, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), amends the Michigan Trust Fund Act to close the Community District Education Trust.

HB 6126 and HB 6127, sponsored by Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor), increase the amount of online sports betting and internet gaming revenue directed to tribal governments and the Christopher R. Slezak First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund.

Finally, SB 527, sponsored by Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Twp.), redirects available money to the Court Equity Fund to help pay for local trial court operations.