Rep. Eric Leutheuser and the state House today voted for a record-high investment in Michigan students as part of its budget plan.

The $15.2 billion commitment translates to up to $240 more per student. Additional resources would be dedicated to special education as well as career and job preparation programs.

“This is a budget that supports families in Hillsdale and Branch counties, and the entire state,” said Leutheuser, of Hillsdale. “It will help keep Michigan’s economy moving forward by preparing students for success in the classroom and after graduation.”

The plan will soon be headed to Gov. Whitmer for consideration.

The plan:

• Increases per-pupil funding 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.
• 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.

“This budget won bipartisan support in the House, and Gov. Whitmer should sign this measure for the sake of our children and our schools,” Leutheuser said.

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