LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) has issued the following statement after the Michigan Senate passedSenate Bill 927, the education budget bill, which increases funding for projects helping low-income students despite COVID-19 budget shortfalls:
“I am proud of how my colleagues in the Senate and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have navigated the economic restraints the COVID-19 pandemic has placed in front of them. While this budget isn’t perfect, it certainly puts students first and provides districts the quality of education our students deserve.
“I’m especially proud of a few programs I worked tirelessly to have included in the budget, including: Increasing the entry threshold for the Great Start Readiness Program from 130% to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level; an additional $5.6 million for school mental health grants; an increased $3 million to help pay for teacher training and professional development for literacy essentials; and, another $1 million to forgive student meal debt. The expansion of these programs will help those who need it most, and this budget is proof that when we work together, we can deliver results for Michigan students and their families.”
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