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Rep. O’Malley backs record support for public schools
RELEASE|September 19, 2019

State Rep. Jack O’Malley, of Lake Ann, today voted in support of the Legislature’s 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 $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.

“I think it’s great that we were able to deliver a budget that funds our public schools on time and in a bipartisan way and without raising taxes,” O’Malley said. “While I, alongside many school leaders, had wished the governor had come to the negotiating table so we could get this budget passed sooner, I salute my Democratic colleagues for their bipartisan approach to passing this budget.”

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.

“This budget includes more dollars for projects that are important to everyone – from adding $60 million to special education to boosting skilled trades opportunities – this plan puts record funding behind our education system,” O’Malley said.

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

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