Universal lunch program remains unchanged; school safety funds restored

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today highlighted major wins for local schools in the final state education budget, including record per-pupil funding and restored resources for school safety and student mental health.

The bipartisan education budget raises per-student funding to $10,050 per pupil; a $442 increase over last year. Schmaltz, R-Jackson, said this historic investment will help schools put more dollars directly into classrooms and address the unique needs of their students.

“This budget gives every school in our community more funding to better support their students,” Schmaltz said. “We’re providing record funding that will go straight to classrooms — where it belongs — to lower class sizes, strengthen student learning, and give teachers more tools to succeed.”

Schmaltz voted against last year’s state budget, which slashed school safety and mental health funding by 92% and left schools without a per-pupil increase, despite soaring inflation. This year, Schmaltz continued to advocate for local schools, and she fought to bring this critical support back. Through tough negotiations, $321 million has been restored in the final budget to protect students across Michigan.

“Last year’s cuts to school safety and mental health were unacceptable,” Schmaltz said. “I made it a top priority to make sure those resources were restored.”

Schmaltz also emphasized that funding for free school breakfast and lunch was never in question. The final plan continues dedicated support for this program so families can rest assured their children will have access to healthy meals at school this year.

Locally, schools in Schmaltz’s district will see substantial increases as a result of the new K-12 budget:

“I’m proud of the local impact this budget will have,” Schmaltz said. “Every additional dollar we secured helps strengthen classrooms, improve safety, and ensure our kids have the best opportunity to thrive.”