School budget gets bipartisan support in House, heads to governor

State Rep. Ann Bollin today voted to approve the Legislature’s bipartisan school aid budget, which includes 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 Livingston County by an additional $240 – higher than the governor’s previous recommendation of $180 per student – for a total increase of more than $300 million in the foundation allowance.

“We’re directing more money than ever to our local schools,” said Bollin, of Brighton Township. “This budget will directly benefit our students and teachers by pumping more resources into every classroom in Michigan. We’re also increasing our investments in skilled trades training, early literacy coaches and special education.”

The Legislature-approved plan:

• Increases Career and 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.
• Includes $60 million more than last year to reimburse school districts for special education costs.
• Includes additional investments in school safety grants and school-based health and mental health programs.

The school budget plan now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

“The Legislature came to a bipartisan agreement to get this budget done for our kids,” Bollin said. “Now, the governor’s signature is all that is needed to deliver this boost to students and schools in Livingston County. It’s time for her to sign this budget for the good of our students.”

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