Plan would provide grants for tutoring, other educational resources

State Rep. Julie Alexander today testified before the House Committee on Education in support of her plan to help students make up for learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alexander, R-Hanover, noted her House Bill 5859 would create a learning loss recovery grant program to address disrupted education for Michigan K-12 students, with priority for lower-income families and students who had more days without in-person instruction. Grants could be used to pay for tutoring, after-school programs and other resources.

“Michigan kids have suffered significant learning loss during the pandemic; they need help getting back on track,” said Alexander, a former public school teacher. “Every day, we hear that our hard-working teachers are struggling to help their students recover from lost learning opportunities over the past two years. When I served as a teacher, I saw firsthand how each individual learns differently, and we have all seen how students have fallen behind because of school closures and distance learning. This plan will give students additional access to tutors and services that will set them up for better success in the classroom and a better future as productive adults.”

The testimony comes at the start of March, which is celebrated as “March Is Reading Month” to recognize the importance of reading.

Karie Denig, a Jackson County mother of four, joined Alexander to testify in support of the learning loss recovery grant plan. She shared the challenges her children faced since the start of the pandemic, and how the lack of in-person instruction impacted their studies.

“Karie’s story is only one of many examples of learning loss during the pandemic,” Alexander said. “I am grateful to Karie for her openness with me and with other legislators about the academic struggles her children have experienced. We must help Michigan kids in need get back on track with these resources.”

HB 5859 remains under consideration by the committee. Alexander and Denig also joined the Senate Committee on Education and Career Readiness to express support for the Senate companion to Alexander’s plan, contained in Senate Bill 925.