LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The FY2024 Budget as proposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Budget Director Christopher Harkins, places roughly 24%, or $19 billion of its funding to be aimed at educational expenses, with an overall cost of $79 billion. 

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The governor’s complete proposal on K-12 Education spending is as follows: 

• $900 million deposit into a new rainy day fund for schools – funds set aside for future budgetary needs – ensuring long-term financial stability of the state’s public education system.  
• $614 million to support school operations through a 5% increase in the base per-pupil that equates to an additional $458 per student, for a total of $9,608 per pupil. 
• $318 million for school safety programs, building off existing school safety grant opportunities for districts and implementing cross-sector approaches to prevent mass violence through partnerships between schools, public safety, mental health professionals, and communities.  
• $442.4 million to help students reach their full academic potential, including expansion of existing payments for literacy grants and literacy coaches.  
• $300 million for tutoring through the MI Kids Back on Track program.  
• $300 million to continue historic investments for student mental health to ensure students needs can be identified and provided with the right support.  
• $257.3 million toward the goal of offering universal preschool to all of Michigan’s 4-year-olds, putting all children on the path to a brighter future.  
• $195 million in recognition of the crucial role high-quality teachers play in the success of their students. Including continued support for the MI Future Educator Program (which provides a tuition free path for college students to become certified teachers) and funds to retain and develop existing teachers through mentorship programs.  
• $160 million to help students thrive by providing free breakfast and lunch to all of Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students.  
• $150 million to fund matching grants for school districts to modernize their bus fleet by switching over to electric vehicles.  
• $120 million investment in various educator supports, including continuation of the MI Future Educator Fellowship, student teacher stipends and professional development.  
• $94.4 million for literacy-related programs and activities in Detroit public schools.  
• $79.9 million to continue expanded support for special education students – a 12.5% increase in the current allocation. 
• $66.5 million to provide a 5% increase in funding to support academically at-risk students, English language learners, and students in rural school districts.  
• $64.7 million increase, for a total of $812.2 million, in funding for academically at-risk, economically disadvantaged students. 
• $30 million supporting new math intervention programs. 
• $25 million for additional supports for vocational education and career and technical education equipment upgrades.  
• $4 million to establish the Nature Awaits program, providing every Michigan fourth grader with a free field trip to a state park. 

One of the proposals, making breakfast and lunch free to all Michigan Public School Students, is unique to  Vermont, Nevada, and Massachusetts, making Michigan the fourth to enact legislation of this kind. 

With the “MI Kids Back on Track” program, students grades K -12 would receive access to individualized tutors to the tune of $300 million.  The FY2024 budget also would raise the per pupil spending by 5%, for a total of $9,608 per student.  

The Michigan Education Association (MEA) President Paula Herbart shared her thoughts regarding the Governor’s latest education proposal. 

“We must continue working to attract and retain the best and brightest educators for our students, and that’s why we strongly support the governor’s plan to provide across-the-board 5% increases in per-student funding for local school districts. It’s critical that school districts use this funding to increase compensation for teachers and education support professionals, so we can keep good educators on the job and attract new talent to the education profession. After all, our kids deserve to have trained, skilled and well-compensated educators working in their schools,” Herbart said in a statement. 

Herbart also commended the Governor’s plans to expand opportunities for higher education. 

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“We also strongly support Gov. Whitmer’s funding proposals for our state’s public universities and community colleges, through increased funding for both operating funds and improved access to post-secondary opportunities,” Herbart continued. “Her proposed expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program will help more hardworking Michiganders get a community college degree or certificate and benefit from a better-paying career. In addition, the governor’s continued budgetary support for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship will drastically reduce the cost of higher education for college students and families.”

The historically high budget would also leave roughly $250 million of Michigan’s current $9 billion dollar surplus if passed in its current state.