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Michigan’s state budget, now on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk, includes major K-12 investments aimed at boosting school aid, literacy, English learner support, free meals, and other resources for students statewide, according to education leaders and state officials.
MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) – The state budget is headed to the governor’s desk after lawmakers approved a spending plan that includes significant investments in Michigan’s public schools.
Education leaders said the budget prioritizes students by increasing school aid and expanding resources for classrooms across the state. The spending plan includes billions of dollars for the School Aid fund, supporting K-12 districts across the state. It helps cover classroom instruction, student services and school operations.
ABC12 talked to the superintendent of the Genesee Intermediate School District about what this means for students.
“I think the English language learner or the bilingual supports are much needed and will benefit many students in Genesee County,” associate superintendent Eddie Kindle said.
According to MI School Data, there are 980 English learners in the Genesee Intermediate School District. Kindle said the budget also continues funding for free school meals and provides additional resources to help address teacher shortages.
“Before and after school funding, which is much needed in Genesee County. School meals,” Kindle said.
In a statement, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the budget:
“Today’s balanced, bipartisan budget delivers for every Michigander. Over the past seven and a half years, we’ve fixed more roads, supported more students, secured more investments, and expanded more rights than any other administration in state history.
This budget builds on our progress by strengthening student literacy, opening doors for more housing opportunities, protecting health care, fixing our damn roads, and lowering costs for all Michiganders.
Thank you to Leader Brinks, Speaker Hall, and legislators on both sides of the aisle for coming together for Michiganders. I am proud of this budget, my final as Governor. It will leave our state stronger than before and keep things moving forward for Michigan.”
Michigan ranks 45th nationally in education, with a significant portion of that ranking attributed to student performance in elementary school. Kindle said continued investment in literacy funding can help Michigan increase its national ranking in reading.
“A continued investment in literacy funding so Michigan can increase its ranking. Not only does it increase their ranking nationally in reading, but it also provides much-needed support for students in reading,” Kindle said.
He said the investment is intended to strengthen Michigan’s education system and help schools continue serving students both inside and outside the classroom.
“A great investment for students in the State of Michigan to improve their reading ability and reading scores,” Kindle said.
The budget now sits on Whitmer’s desk waiting for her signature. A full breakdown of the budget can be found on the State Budget Office page.
