Michigan Governor Signs Education Budget Benefiting Students Statewide
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed the state’s new education budget into law, emphasizing the importance of investing in the future of the state through quality education. The signing ceremony took place with Flint public school students, highlighting the significance of the budget for local communities.
The budget includes a historic increase in per-pupil funding, setting a record at $10,050 per student. Additionally, the allocation covers various essential aspects of education, such as school safety measures, special education services, and free meals for students, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn without facing hunger.
Flint Community Schools Superintendent Kevelin Jones expressed gratitude for the provision of free breakfast and lunch for students, emphasizing the impact it has on their ability to focus on learning. The budget also allocates more resources for career and technical education, higher education, and support for at-risk students and English Language Learners.
Key Highlights from Michigan’s New Education Budget:
- Per-pupil funding: The foundation allowance increased to a record $10,050 per student.
- Free school meals: Funding for universal free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students is maintained.
- At-risk students: An increase of 25% is provided for programs supporting at-risk students.
- English Language Learners (ELL): There is a 25% increase in funding for ELL education.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE): Funding for CTE programs increased by $70 million.
- Special Education: Funding for special education services is increased by nearly 10%.
- Teacher support: The budget includes a one-time $203 million allocation for bonuses for school employees to help with out-of-pocket health costs.
- Literacy: There is a $60 million investment in literacy programs.
- Infrastructure: A $200 million investment in school infrastructure is included.
- Rural schools: There is a $125 million investment in rural school transportation.
- Class size: An investment of $65 million is designated for smaller class sizes in grades K-3.
- Higher Education: The budget includes a 2-3% boost for higher education and a $300 million deposit into the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Fund.
