Michigan Senator McMorrow's Budget Claims Don't Add Up as West Michigan Taxpayers Face Conflicting Narratives

State Senator's Revenue Claims Under Fire from Fiscal Experts

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow made claims in March about Michigan's state budget that fiscal policy experts say don't align with the numbers. In an interview with MIRS News on March 9, the state senator argued that Michigan is operating with the same revenue levels as 1968 despite population growth.

The numbers tell a different story.

The Claims vs. The Reality

McMorrow stated that adjusted for inflation, Michigan has the same revenue it had in 1968 despite gaining more than 3 million people from then until today. She argued this demonstrates that state spending per person has increased dramatically without commensurate revenue growth.

However, James Hohman, a fiscal policy expert at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, told Michigan Capitol Confidential that the state's revenue and population numbers do not align with the senator's claims.

According to Hohman, Michigan's population increased from 8.7 million in 1968 to 10.1 million in 2025, an increase of 1.4 million, not 3 million. This already represents a significant discrepancy from the senator's figures.

Revenue Growth Doesn't Match Claims

The revenue picture is even more telling. State revenue was approximately $2 billion in the 1967-68 fiscal year. If the state government revenue trend were truly flat, adjusted for inflation, state revenue would be approximately $18.9 billion in 2025.

Instead, state revenue was approximately $48.9 billion in 2024-25, representing a 2330 percent increase. This means the state spent approximately $2,178 per person in 1967-68 but approximately $4,832 in 2024-25, for a 122 percent increase.

McMorrow did not respond to requests for comment on the accuracy of her budget claims.

What This Means for West Michigan Taxpayers

For residents of West Michigan, these budget debates have real implications. West Michigan taxpayers contribute to state revenue through income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes that fund state programs. When state officials make claims about budget pressures, it affects policy discussions about tax increases, spending cuts, and program funding.

The senator's claims about flat revenue growth suggest a need for tax structure changes to maintain services. However, the actual revenue growth suggests the state has increased its capacity to fund programs significantly.

McMorrow has indicated she wants to hear residents saying they feel like they are paying a lot and not getting anything for it. She argues this demonstrates a need for a fairer tax structure that supports the revenue needed to appropriately fund schools, roads, infrastructure, and especially Medicaid.

Broader Context

McMorrow, who will run for a United States Senate seat this fall, has positioned herself as a fiscal conservative. Her budget claims come at a time when Michigan faces ongoing debates about state spending priorities and tax policy.

Other states have recently increased their tax rates to fund state programs. Washington recently passed a 9.9 percent income tax, effective in 2028, on incomes over $1 million. Massachusetts enacted a 4 percent surcharge on incomes over $1 million annually. A similar tax proposal failed to garner enough signatures to reach the 2026 ballot in Michigan.

West Michigan's Role in State Budget Debates

West Michigan communities have been affected by state budget decisions throughout Michigan's history. From education funding to transportation infrastructure, state priorities directly impact communities from Grand Rapids to Muskegon.

When state officials debate revenue adequacy and spending levels, the outcomes affect every Michigan taxpayer. The actual revenue figures suggest the state has grown its capacity to fund programs significantly since 1968, raising questions about whether state spending has kept pace with revenue growth.

What West Michigan Residents Should Know

For West Michigan taxpayers, the budget debate continues. State officials present different narratives about revenue growth and spending pressure. The actual numbers suggest significant revenue growth, but policy decisions about how to use that revenue remain contested.

West Michigan residents contribute to state revenue through various taxes and should be aware of how these budget debates translate into policy decisions that affect their communities. The actual revenue figures suggest the state has grown its capacity significantly, but the ongoing debate about whether this growth is adequate continues to shape Michigan's fiscal policy.