The state Legislature recently passed our schools’ budget and we wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who called, texted, emailed and went to Lansing to advocate for better for our children. Truly, your voices together made a big difference and you should feel proud.
THE GOOD
- Our number one priority! 20% increase in the Opportunity Index — funding based on the concentration of poverty and need in a district.
- 20% increase for English Language learners.
- $125 million for transportation reimbursement
- $50 million for infrastructure needs
- Commitment to implement a new, improved way of funding special education in the future.
- Funds for literacy training and coaches.
- Protects universal, free school breakfast and lunch
THE BAD
- The per pupil amount does not keep up with inflation, putting it at early 2000 levels when Michigan had less child poverty and a lower rate of students with disabilities.
- Special education was cut with the 2% “increase” falling below inflation.
- No establishment of a high cost fund to offset costs educating students with complex disabilities.
- Cyber schools will receive the full per pupil, despite the lower costs to operate, costing us $53 million.
- $11 million earmarked for private schools
- Using more of the school aid fund to pay for higher education because the general fund is so strapped — meaning we are balancing the budget and paying for roads on the backs of our children.
- No new revenue options to support our K-12 schools. No repeal of tax cuts for corporations and billionaires. Instead, they gave Dan Gilbert a $2 billion tax break.
WHAT’S NEXT
- We need to get serious about revenue options for our best investment — public schools.
- We need to get serious about supporting students with disabilities.
If you want to deep dive some of these topics:
MEJC Budget Asks 26-27 (read only)
Thanks for fighting for public schools, one of the best investments we can make!
-Peri
FYI
MEJC Gov / Senate / House Comparison 1 Pager – 26-27