State Rep. Aaron Miller, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid, today voted in support of the Legislature’s schools budget, a bill he sponsored to provide 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.

“As a public school educator myself, I am proud of this plan we have produced as a Legislature by reaching across the aisle,” Miller said. “The success of our future generation depends on the investment we make in our kids today and this budget will ensure they have what they need to succeed.”

The Legislature-approved plan also:

• Increases CTE 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 in all the things the governor wants and more,” Miller said. “There’s absolutely no reason why she shouldn’t support this plan. It’s time to stop playing word games and get this budget done for our kids.”

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

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