School budget gets bipartisan support in House, headed to governor

State Rep. Ben Frederick 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 the 85th House District 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.

“Our bipartisan budget sets students up for success by directing more money into every classroom in mid-Michigan,” said Frederick, of Owosso. “We’re also boosting funding for critical areas like special education, early literacy and career training to help students learn the skills they need to grow into the entrepreneurs, skilled workers and business professionals of tomorrow.”

Beyond the $240 per-pupil increase to local districts, the Legislature-approved plan also:

• 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 $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, approved by the House Thursday with wide bipartisan vote of 91-18, now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

“There’s absolutely no reason for our governor to veto this budget,” Frederick said. “Both sides of the Legislature came together and invested in all of the areas she prioritized without raising taxes. It’s time to get this budget across the finish line for the sake of our kids.”

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