Michigan lawmakers have advanced the next state budget, and it includes money to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant. The $81.7 billion overall spending plan uses most of the state’s surplus for education, road repairs, and other infrastructure. But also in the budget is $150 million for the Palisades effort. Palisades owner Holtec is about $300 million short of what it needs to get the plant operating again. It’s also seeking funds from the U.S. Department of Energy loan office to get Palisades back online. Also in the budget is a per-pupil funding increase for schools of $611 million, or a 5% baseline increase. The budget includes $233 million for water infrastructure and lead water line replacements, $40 million for the development of affordable housing, and more for parks. The Democratic budget passed the House and Senate Wednesday evening.
