State Rep. Jamie Thompson recently voted to advance a House K-12 budget plan that supports students, gives needed flexibility to school districts, and cracks down on unnecessary, politically driven initiatives that receive tax dollars within Michigan’s education system.

The budget plan builds a stronger, more responsive education system through localization instead of centralization. It offers dramatically more flexibility in how funding is used, instead of forcing school districts to meet one-size-fits-all Lansing mandates.

“This is a needs-based budget for our local schools and our kids,” said Thompson, of Brownstown. “Districts will have the option to focus more of this record funding where they feel it can be best spent – like for increased school breakfast and lunch programs, expanded career and tech education, school safety improvements, or new textbooks – instead of having to follow rigid rules that cause some money to be unused or underutilized. That flexibility is something that has been sorely lacking as part of this process over the last few years.

“Parents, local school boards, administrators and teachers know the needs of their communities and students better than Lansing does, and this budget empowers them to make decisions that will help kids thrive in school. Effective investments in education and respecting both parental choice and local decision-making are things I have fought for since I began representing our communities in the Legislature, and I’m pleased to see this budget reflect these priorities.”

Thompson noted that during the previous legislative term, the Democrat trifecta in Lansing made the dangerous decision to drastically cut funding for school safety and mental health, leaving schools without needed resources to protect and support students. Thompson and House Republicans have reversed those cuts in the advancing budget – fully restoring funding schools count on to address student mental health and create secure learning environments. The budget plan also protects vital education funding by banning wasteful DEI programs and initiatives.

The budget plan now moves to the Senate for consideration. Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony said last week that the Democrat-controlled Senate is willing to “blow through” a July 1 budget deadline and hold up a final proposal being signed into law, a move Thompson said is unnecessary and would create uncertainty for schools looking to plan for the upcoming year.

“While Democrats look for ways to keep growing government in the budget, Republicans in the House continue to prioritize getting workers and families the best value for their tax dollars and making government accountable to the people it serves,” Thompson said. “As a state, we rank among the worst in the country for education, high school graduation rates, and SAT scores. Michigan students and families deserve a better tailored education system that actually drives change, instead of one that keeps throwing money at the same problems hoping for change.”