House overwhelmingly approves school aid budget

State Rep. Lynn Afendoulis, of Grand Rapids Township, today voted with all her Republican colleagues and 33 Democratic colleagues in support of a House school aid budget plan, including the largest ever investment for Michigan students in the state’s history.

The budget provides a total of $15.2 billion for K-12 schools. Under the plan, per-pupil funding would increase for every student in Michigan by $120 to $240 – a total increase of more than $300 million in the foundation allowance. The governor’s recommendation capped the increase at just $180 per student.

“I’m pleased the House was able to put politics aside and deliver a bipartisan plan that provides schools across Michigan with the resources they need to better position students for achievement in the coming school year,” Afendoulis said. “This school aid budget plan provides record funding for schools throughout the state and backs key programs that better equip students to lead successful lives after graduation day.”

The House-approved plan also:

• Increases Career Technical Education funding to $50 per student and includes $16 million in equipment grants for a total of nearly $74 million in CTE investment.
• Triples the investment in literacy coaches.
• Includes a total investment of $510 million in at-risk students.
• Nearly triples funding for English language learners.
• Includes $60 million more than last year to reimburse school districts for special education costs.
• Provides $7 million for isolated school district funding and includes a tiered formula to allow for a wider distribution of funds to students in rural districts.
• Includes additional investments in school safety grants and school-based health and mental health programs.

“The best part of this plan is that we were able to make these essential investments without asking hard-working Michigan families for more when they fill up at the gas pump,” Afendoulis said.

The plan, which was approved by an overwhelming vote of 91-18, moves to the governor’s desk for consideration.