Critical investments in Upper Peninsula health care, infrastructure, trail improvements and maintenance and even the arts are coming to the Upper Peninsula with the passing of Michigan’s 2023-24 budget.

Education across the state also got a 5% per pupil foundation allowance increase as part of the budget as well. It’s a big deal, especially for a region that, due to its population, doesn’t always get top billing in state fiscal matters.

We applaud the efforts of state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township and state Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, for pushing to fund some of these important projects.

Because of their efforts, the Republic Dam will be replaced with a spillway, helping with fish migration to and from the Michigamme River Basin; the city of Negaunee will be able to save the Historic Vista Theater, a building in its downtown that is nearly a century old; help to build a new faculty for the Baraga County Road Commission; and repair and improve snowmobile trails across the region.

“We secured millions of dollars to support the needs of our region, ranging from housing and transportation infrastructure to public safety and the arts,” said State Rep Jenn Hill in a press release issued on Thursday.

Hill said we are “well on our way to reversing Lansing’s long history of disinvestment in northern communities.”

We agree that there has been a shift, when you consider the investments that have been made in roads, rural broadband and water infrastructure. The U.P. can start to see the benefit of state and federal funding.

We still have a long way to go. But recent developments show that we may be on the right track. It’s important that we keep electing representatives who are invested in the good of our communities, and understand that they do indeed work for the people.

Kudos to all involved in getting the wheels moving on some critical U.P. projects.