$200 million in funding the Escanaba Paper Mill.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Democrats worked late Thursday night to pass over $1 billion in spending that includes $200 million in funding for the Escanaba Paper Mill, which is operated by Swedish paper producer Billerud.  The money will go toward upgrades expected to bring $1 billion in investments and retain over 1,200 jobs in the area. The supplemental budget’s approval comes after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered a State of the State speech Wednesday that focused heavily on economic development and retaining jobs in the state. Republicans criticized the spending legislation Thursday for being secretive and happening “behind closed doors.”