Rep. Bronna Kahle today voted in support of the Legislature’s plan to prepare students for success inside and outside the classroom 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 in Lenawee County would get the $240 per student increase.

The governor’s recommendation capped the foundation increase at just $180 per student.

“I am constantly listening to our friends and neighbors in Lenawee County to understand their top priorities,” said Kahle, of Adrian. “This budget delivers more resources to one of those top priorities – our students. This plan invests even more to help students learn to read well at an early age, to support special education, and to expand opportunities for skilled trades  and technical education and help prepare our young people for strong careers. I’m pleased to support this budget, and I encourage our governor to sign it so Michigan can continue to thrive.”

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 legislation, which will be soon be headed to Gov. Whitmer, is House Bill 4242.

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