State Rep. Jason Wentworth, of Clare, 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.

“When connecting with constituents, one of the things I hear the most is investing more money into our schools to give Michigan students a better chance to be positioned for success,” Wentworth said. “That’s what this vote signifies – a commitment to quality education that communities across the state demand.”

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 making important investments in students across the board and doing so without raising taxes for hard-working Michigan families,” Wentworth said. “When we continue to empower our children in the classroom, the more our state’s economy will see a return on investment.”

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

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jason Wentworth (center) talks budget details with colleagues on the House floor.