House lends bipartisan support for finalized proposal

State Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, today joined her colleagues in approving the Legislature’s school aid budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, including the largest investment for students in state history.

The plan provides a total of $15.2 billion for K-12 schools without a tax increase. Per-pupil funding would rise 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.

“We went above and beyond what the governor’s expectations were in some areas of this budget while also respecting taxpayers and ensuring it was a budget the state could afford,” Hoitenga said. “Educating our future generations and giving them the tools they need to succeed is critical. We made sure to honor that commitment to kids in all corners of our great state with this plan.”

The Legislature’s 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 now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration. Hoitenga said she looks forward to the legislation earning a signature as the Oct. 1 constitutional budget deadline approaches.

“This isn’t a budget we’re simply running through and dropping in the governor’s lap. It features thorough bipartisan work and support to ensure our kids are positioned for success in our schools,” Hoitenga said. “I task the governor with putting ink to paper and signing this proposal so the people charged with educating our kids are no longer in the dark with funding for the upcoming year.”