Senator John Damoose offered several amendments to the state’s upcoming fiscal year spending plan during a Senate debate, according to an April 30 announcement.
The proposed changes addressed funding for workforce development and dam safety, as well as scholarship eligibility and delayed infrastructure projects. These topics are significant because they impact public safety, education access, and support for Michigan families.
Damoose said the budget was “a good starting point,” but he wanted “to offer some additional opportunities to do good for Michigan families.” He introduced amendments aimed at restoring Going PRO funding to its previous level and allocating $10 million in one-time funds for high-risk Department of Natural Resources-owned dams. He cited recent incidents in Midland and Cheboygan as reasons why dam maintenance is important: “Having seen the crisis in Midland caused by failing dams and closely monitoring the recent scare in Cheboygan, I can say with certainty that making sure our dams are in good shape would provide peace of mind for many communities,” Damoose said. Although these proposals were not adopted, he added, “I am disappointed to see these amendments defeated, but I am going to continue these discussions and pursue other avenues to get these efforts approved.”
Further amendments from Damoose included removing restrictions on state scholarships for students enrolled in theology or divinity programs and resolving delays related to a student services hub project at Northwestern Michigan College. The latter project had been previously negotiated but postponed due to what Damoose called a mistake. He said it would help centralize student services such as financial aid under one roof: “This long-overdue project — which was already negotiated in good faith — would help centralize student services such as financial aid and enrollment under one roof and repurpose old, inaccessible buildings to improve learning opportunities and student experiences,” he said. Ultimately, all of his proposed amendments were voted down by the current Senate majority.
“Unfortunately, my amendments, along with many other good ideas, were shot down,” Damoose said.
Damoose represents Michigan’s 37th Senate District—including Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties along with parts of Mackinac and Chippewa counties—according to his official website. He resides in Harbor Springs with his wife and four children according to the same source. His background includes earning a degree in political science from the University of Michigan according to his official website, co-authoring a book on U.S. founding principles distributed nationally according to his official website, building a career in television production including co-founding 45 North Productions according to his official website, serving as executive director of Building America’s Tomorrow for manufacturing workforce development according to his official website, advancing legislation against human trafficking while protecting consumers from scams according to his official website, and producing a Department of Defense documentary on the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial as reported by his office.
After approving education budgets on Thursday following debate over these proposals, the Senate passed its version of the spending plan for fiscal year 2026-27; those bills now move forward for consideration by the state House.
