WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
State Rep. Aaron Miller joined the Michigan House of Representatives in approving its plan for the state’s Fiscal Year 2021 K-12 budget.
Miller, who chairs the House committee overseeing the state’s K-12 budget, said despite the tight budget year the state faces in the wake of COVID-19’s economic impact, there will be no cuts to the education budget. Every program will be protected, and school districts will even receive a one-time $65 funding bump per-student across the board.
Under the plan, the state will dedicate about $15.5 billion to K-12 schools in the new budget year – exceeding the $15.3 billion originally established for the current fiscal year.
Michigan’s minimum per-pupil foundation allowance will also remain steady at $8,111.
Highlights of the plan include a continued commitment to literacy programs; making student mental health a priority; funding for districts to identify kids who need additional help and parents who need help finding childcare; resources for students engaged in virtual learning; and funding for vital programs such as CTE, special education and STEM competitions.
About a quarter of the annual state budget is devoted to K-12 education.
