(The Center Square) – As the July 1 deadline looms for finalizing Michigan’s budget, Democrats and Republicans have proposed drastically different plans for the future of education funding in the state.
House Republicans successfully passed an education budget that would overhaul the current system.
Supporters of the plan have labeled it “transformational.”
“This budget represents a major shift in how we approach education in Michigan,” said state Rep. Ann Bolin, R-Brighton Township. “We’re building a stronger model by putting trust where it belongs — in the hands of local school boards, parents, and educators who know their communities best. Every district is different, and the people closest to the students should be the ones making the decisions.”
The $21.9 billion budget proposal, $1.1 billion more than the current budget, would raise the state’s per-student foundation allowance to $12,000. That’s an increase of $2,392 per student, making it the highest allowance in state history.
Here are a few other key things to know about this proposal:
• More than $300 million to fund competitive grants which would go to shrinking class sizes, improving school infrastructure, and more.
• Additional funding for school safety and mental health initiatives.
• Expansion of career-tech programs.
• Bans funding for DEI initiatives.
“For years, the state government has wastefully thrown taxpayer dollars at special grant programs and dysfunctional systems instead of funding our students directly,” said state Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond. “House Republicans’ budget plan moves us in a completely different direction, with historic investments into kids across the state that local schools can use in the ways that most benefit their students.”
In another proposal, Republicans slashed millions in state funding to some of the state’s largest public universities. In its place, the state would spread the money cut from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University to smaller public universities throughout the state.
“One of the reasons going to college has gotten so expensive over the past 50 years is because of the growth of non-instructional and often unnecessary administrative overhead,” said state Rep. Bryan Posthumus, R-Rockford. “This plan caps spending on administrative salaries at 10 percent, which will reduce the cost of getting an undergraduate degree in the long-term by reducing administrative bloat.”
The Higher Education proposal would award $5,500 scholarships available to every Michigan high school graduate. Those scholarships could then be used at any public or private university in Michigan. It would also give $2,750 per year for full-time students at Michigan community colleges.
“Whether pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or career training, we’re keeping Michigan talent here at home and investing boldly in our state’s future,” said Rep. Matt Hall, speaker of the House.
Democrats expressed great concerns for these plans, calling the proposed budget “outrageous.”
“House Republicans’ cutting of critical investments jeopardize the stability and well-being of these schools at the expense of Michigan students,” said state Rep. Julie Brixie, D-Meridian Twp. “Our universities deserve better than this, our students deserve better than this, Michigan deserves better than this.”
Last week, Senate Democrats proposed their own education proposal. It is unclear how negotiations will move forward with the Democrat-controlled Senate and the Republican-controlled House as the July 1 budget deadline draws closer.
In the meantime, Michigan’s Democratic Party has promised it is “standing together” to fight the Republican-sponsored plans.
“This is yet another example of Matt Hall’s failure to be a real leader, hiding from the media when things get tough and bringing us closer to a government shutdown as his Republican caucus continues to neglect their duties,” said Curtis Hertel, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. “Thankfully, Michigan Democrats are walking the walk as they stand up to protect the futures of thousands of Michigan families and students.”
