School budget gets bipartisan support in House, headed to governor

State Rep. Greg Markkanen, of Hancock, today voted to approve the Legislature’s bipartisan school aid budget, which includes 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 plan, per-pupil funding would increase for every student in Michigan by at least $120, with many districts receiving an additional $240 per student – a total increase of more than $300 million in the foundation allowance. The governor’s recommendation capped the increase at just $180 per student.

“I’m pleased we were able to come to a bipartisan budget agreement and put more money into classrooms,” said Markkanen, a former teacher. “The investments we’re making today will ensure K-12 students¬¬ have access to the resources they need to become the entrepreneurs, leaders and skilled workers of tomorrow.”

The Legislature-approved plan:

• Increases Career and 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 school budget plan now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

“As a former teacher, I’m very happy with the investments we made in this budget – and our governor should be, too,” Markkanen said. “We prioritized funding for all of the most important educational tools. It’s time for the governor to put aside her fixation on raising taxes and do what’s best for our kids.”

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