Rep. Sarah Lightner is delivering real results for local families, helping schools in Jackson and Calhoun counties receive a significant funding boost in the latest House Republican budget plan.

“Every dollar in this budget is about putting students and families first, not Lansing bureaucracy,” Lightner said. “These are real investments in our classrooms and our community—with no new taxes.”

The new plan increases total state investment for local schools, providing nearly $2,000 more per student. Importantly, the budget streamlines funding and reduces unnecessary restrictions, allowing local districts greater freedom to tailor resources, staffing, and programs to best serve their unique communities.

“This budget puts more decision-making in the hands of local school leaders who know their students best,” Lightner said. “We’re moving away from Lansing’s one-size-fits-all approach, and giving our districts the flexibility to invest where it matters most for kids and families.”

District 45 Notable Funding Increases Under House SchoolAid Budget:

• Jackson Public Schools: +$2,009,736
• Northwest Community Schools: +$1,432,670
• Lakeview School District (Calhoun): +$1,471,935
• Harper Creek Community Schools: +$1,108,999
• Western School District: +$1,114,912
• Marshall Public Schools: +$1,016,154
• Springport, Hanover-Horton, Concord, Homer, Climax-Scotts, and Galesburg-Augusta are also set to receive significant funding increases under the plan.

The House-passed budget now heads to the Senate.