Per-pupil funding increase surpasses governor’s recommendation

State Rep. Diana Farrington, of Utica, today voted to approve the Legislature’s school aid budget proposal, which includes the largest investment for students in state history.

The plan provides a total of $15.2 billion for K-12 schools without a tax hike. 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 budget recommendation capped the increase at just $180 per student.

“Our schools prepare our kids for their lives ahead – and when our kids are better positioned for success it means Michigan is in a better position to succeed,” Farrington said. “That’s why I’m proud to support this budget plan for our schools and kids. It puts more money into our classrooms than ever before and it reminds Michigan families that the people representing them are serious about giving their kids a quality education.”

The Legislature-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.

House Bill 4242, which had overwhelming bipartisan support in the House when advancing through the Legislature, will head to the governor’s desk for consideration.