Rep. Matt Hall of Marshall today voted in support of record investments for Michigan schools – without the governor’s proposed massive tax increases.

Hall said Gov. Whitmer held the state budget hostage all summer by demanding a 45-cent per gallon tax increase – delaying final approval of funding for Calhoun and Kalamazoo County schools. But the Legislature rejected those calls for a tax increase and approved a new schools budget of $15.2 billion, the largest investment in Michigan history.

“We tried to work with the governor, but she refused to negotiate and we couldn’t wait any longer,” Hall said. “I voted in favor of this budget to protect additional funding for the kids who attend our local schools. Republicans and Democrats in the House came together to do the right thing and send this budget to the governor’s desk. I hope she does the right thing and signs it.”

The $15.2 billion commitment includes per pupil foundation increases of up to $240 more per student. Additional resources would be dedicated to school safety, special education and career preparation programs.

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