Northwest Wayne News

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed a bipartisan budget that marks the biggest per-student investment in Michigan’s history.

The budget earmarks half a billion dollars for school infrastructure, enhancements for school safety, recruiting efforts and mental health assets, according to a July 14 press release.

“Every kid in every district deserves to feel safe and supported in school, and I am proud today to sign a historic, bipartisan education budget that will make game-changing investments to improve every student’s in-class experience,” Whitmer said. “The budget makes the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history to help schools buy new textbooks, offer more personalized instruction, and bolster AP (Advanced Placement) and honors classes. It also bolsters resources for special education, at-risk funding, and career and technical education while expanding slots in free after-school and preschool programs.”

Whitmer said the budget was designed to improve the campus experience for everyone.

"Gov. Whitmer has worked effectively with the legislature and came through for students and educators, this time with a strong budget that represents the largest per-pupil investment in our state’s history,” said David Hecker, president of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan, in the release. “The increase in support for at-risk and special education students is critical, as it will better position schools to set vulnerable kids up for success. The move to further invest in both career and technical education and colleges and universities also reaffirms the governor’s commitment to strengthening our economy and ensuring Michigan students have options for their future,”.

Every student will receive $9,150 in funding, along with $214 for mental health resources, according to the release. The budget also provides funding for grants to help 200,000 special education and 710,000 at-risk students. The funds will provide 1,300 additional free preschool slots in the Great Start Readiness Program and support infrastructure projects with a $250 million investment.

“On behalf of MEA's (Michigan Education Association’s) 120,000 members from across the state, we would like to thank Gov. Whitmer for listening to the voices of educators and taking our expertise to heart in developing this transformative education budget,” said Paula Herbart, MEA president and a veteran teacher from Macomb County. “The governor’s new budget will help address serious challenges in our local schools, including the educator shortage, student mental health, and post-pandemic learning support. Every child deserves a quality education and an opportunity for success, and the governor’s budget will go a long way toward achieving that vital goal.”

Hebert said the new budget will help state schools overcome a variety of challenges while funding a quality education for students.