Great Lakes Wire

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan education budget on Thursday that will make the largest state per-student investment in Michigan history, committing half a billion dollars for improving school infrastructure, funding teacher recruitment, bolstering school safety, expanding mental health resources, and more. 

“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 in a press release from her office. “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 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. Finally, to improve the on-campus experience, the budget invests a quarter of a billion dollars in school infrastructure to build or renovate everything from classrooms, computer labs, and libraries, and significantly expands teacher recruitment programs so we attract and train thousands of educators every year. This budget is proof of what is possible when we put our students first and stay focused on getting things done.”

The plan elicited praise from educators.

“On behalf of MEA'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,” Paula Herbart, Michigan Education Association president and a veteran teacher from Macomb County, said in the release. “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.” 

David Hecker, president of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan, concurred.

“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,” he said 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.”

Educational administrators are also on board with the budget.

“This year’s budget is going to pay huge dividends for our students now and into the future,” Jason Messenger, principal of Portage West Middle School and president of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors, said in the release. “In addition to increasing funding for our students with the greatest need, the significant investments in mental health and school safety will help ensure that students are safe and supported at school so they can reach their potential. The funding for new teacher recruitment is an important step in building back our educator workforce so all Michigan students have access to the education professionals who support their learning. Thank you to Gov. Whitmer and the legislature for passing a historic budget that invests in all students.”