School aid budget contains commitments to career prep, early literacy

State Rep. Roger Hauck, of Union Township, today voted to approve the Legislature’s school aid budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, including the largest investment for students in state history.

The plan provides a total of $15.2 billion for K-12 schools without a tax increase. Per-pupil funding would rise for every student in Michigan by $120 to $240 – a total increase of more than $300 million in the foundation allowance. The governor’s initial budget recommendation stopped short of the Legislature’s maximum per-pupil funding ceiling, capping the increase at just $180 per student.

“This plan makes a needed investment into Michigan’s future – and that future lies with our kids,” Hauck said. “Families in central Michigan, across our state and those considering a potential move to Michigan demand their children receive a good education and are put in a position where they can succeed when out of school. This plan is a commitment to that expectation.”

Features of the approved plan include:

• 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.

“I like the versatility of this plan, because Michigan needs to be versatile in terms of how we prepare young people all across the state for the real world,” Hauck said. “There are many avenues to success and we have to pave the way for each one. This budget stresses early literacy to make sure Michigan kids are getting a head start with their education. It puts emphasis on career readiness and technical education. We’re putting a lot of tools in the toolbox for our young people.”

House Bill 4242, which had overwhelming bipartisan support in the House before being approved in the Senate, will head to the governor’s desk for consideration.