Rep. Beth Griffin voted today in support of the House and Senate’s plan to help students succeed with the largest schools investment in Michigan history.

The plan provides a total of $15.2 billion for K-12 schools. 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 vast majority of school districts would get the $240 per student increase, which is more than the governor had proposed in her original budget recommendation.

“As a former teacher, I know firsthand our children and grandchildren need and deserve this record investment in their futures,” said Griffin, of Mattawan.  “It’s also incredibly important to the state of Michigan’s future. That’s why this plan provides a pathway to success for every student — whether he or she plans to attend a four-year university, a community college, a trade school, or enter the workforce right after high school.”

The budget plan:

• 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 plan will head to Gov. Whitmer for consideration.

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