For the second year in a row, Michigan has enacted a balanced, fiscally responsible budget before July that supports vital services and improves accountability in government.

The 2013 budget addresses our long-term debts and funds current priorities, while also making the state live within its means — just as southwest Michigan families do every day.

Most importantly, the budget is about making the tough, but right, decisions to revitalize our state.

This budget plan builds on the reforms we made during the past year and a half to energize our economy and improve our jobs climate.

Those changes are already producing positive results in less unemployment, more jobs, reduced debt and positive economic growth.

Michigan’s economic turnaround and a more efficient state government have also resulted in additional resources for us to put towards education and public safety.

School aid funding is increased by more than $200 million, which includes money to raise the minimum foundation allowance by $120 per student. Our public universities and community colleges will also see funding increases of more than 3 percent.

The budget helps keep our communities safe by giving an additional $44 million to the Michigan State Police that will be putting 180 new troopers on the roads, and it reserves $140 million more in the state’s rainy day fund to improve our credit rating and end the days of gridlock and government shutdowns.

We understand that many people are still struggling, so we included $90 million in income tax relief for all hard-working Michigan families.

With the budget done, I will continue my efforts to create a positive climate in Michigan for creating jobs and making your government more efficient and more accountable to the people.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien and Cass counties and most of Van Buren County.