Bipartisan plan includes $60 million more for special education

State Rep. Steve Marino, of Harrison Township, today voted in support of the Legislature’s school aid budget, including the largest ever investment for Michigan students in the state’s history.

The budget provides a total of $15.2 billion for K-12 schools. Under the bipartisan plan, 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 governor’s recommendation capped the increase at just $180 per student.

“Our school districts will greatly benefit from additional reimbursements for special education costs,” Marino said. “This plan sets up every kid for success, regardless of where they live or the unique needs they may have.”

The Legislature-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.

“We’re investing not only in all the things the governor asked for, we’ve gone way beyond that, investing in things she overlooked – and we’ve done it without forcing a tax increase on Michigan residents,” Marino said. “There’s no reason why she shouldn’t support this plan. It’s time to get this budget done for our kids.”

The plan now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.