State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, of Norton Shores, today voted in support of the Legislature’s bipartisan school aid budget. The plan 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.

“I particularly appreciate our investments in career and technical education, at-risk students, mental health programs and special education,” VanWoerkom said. “These areas will benefit schools in our community greatly, allowing children to thrive.”

The Legislature-approved plan:

• 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.

House Bill 4242 passed 91 to 18. The plan now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

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