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Michigan House Republicans Pass Controversial Education Budget

The impact of the Michigan education budget on schools and students.

News Summary

On June 11, Michigan House Republicans approved a $21.9 billion K-12 education budget that raises per-pupil funding but draws criticism for favoring wealthier districts and introducing funding for private schools. The budget eliminates dedicated funding for mental health and safety programs and imposes penalties for schools with certain diversity initiatives. With opposition mounting and concerns over food insecurity affecting children, negotiations with Senate leaders and Governor Whitmer are expected as the budget moves forward toward the 2026 fiscal year.

Lansing, Michigan — On June 11, Michigan House Republicans passed a $21.9 billion K-12 education budget in a narrow 56-53 vote that largely fell along party lines. The budget aims to significantly raise per-pupil funding, while also proposing changes to the way funding is allocated, which has drawn criticism for favoring wealthier districts and seeking to introduce funding for private schools. Legal challenges could arise due to the public funding implications for private institutions.

The Republican plan sets a foundation allowance of $10,025 per pupil, an increase from the previous allowance of $9,608. This funding level surpasses proposals made by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Democratic-controlled Senate. Additionally, the total spending in this GOP plan exceeds the previous budget passed by Senate Democrats at $21.8 billion and Governor Whitmer’s proposal of $21.2 billion issued earlier this year.

However, critics are particularly concerned about the budget’s provisions that eliminate a dedicated $107.8 million line item aimed at student mental health and school safety programs. Instead, funds for these programs would be included in a more flexible funding model, meaning schools must certify inclusion of support for at least one school resource officer and mental health staff member in their budgets to qualify for certain funding.

The budget further proposes to roll back multiple line-item funding allocations, which could potentially reduce specific financial support for at-risk students. Notably, it also eliminates free breakfast and lunch programs for all public school students. Funding for at-risk students remains at last year’s levels, which contradicts the increases suggested by Governor Whitmer and Senate Democrats.

In a move that has raised alarms among advocates for public education, the GOP budget sets aside $3.1 billion for per-pupil payments, which includes $40.8 million earmarked for private schools. Many fear this aspect of the budget will face constitutional challenges, as it conflicts with existing laws regarding public funding for education.

Furthermore, the Republican plan imposes penalties on schools that maintain diversity initiatives, allow transgender girls to participate in sports, or provide unisex bathrooms. Schools that do not comply with these stipulations risk a funding cut of up to 20%.

In terms of support for public cyber schools, the GOP plan specifies that they would receive funding equal to traditional schools, diverging from earlier proposals that suggested lesser funding for cyber institutions.

Opposition to the budget has mounted among various stakeholders, with leaders from the Michigan Democratic Party asserting that the GOP plan could worsen food insecurity among children and neglects issues related to academic performance and achievement gaps. The proposed changes have led to significant criticism regarding their potential impact on vulnerable student populations.

The budget was not unanimously supported even within the Republican ranks, as two conservative lawmakers joined all House Democrats in voting against it. This division highlights some discontent amongst GOP members regarding the proposed allocations.

As the legislative process moves forward, House Republicans anticipate negotiating with Senate leaders and Governor Whitmer to finalize the budget for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, which will take effect on October 1. This upcoming negotiation could lead to further modifications based on the feedback from various stakeholders and the need to compromise between the differing budgetary approaches presented by both parties.