Historic Investment in Kids, Schools Are Hallmarks of Michigan’s Education Budget 

Jul 24, 2023 | News Story

For the first time, Michigan’s Education Budget was crafted by legislators with hands-on experience in the classroom 

Michiganders have made themselves clear: They want legislators who are willing to listen and deliver on the issues that matter most with thoughtful and effective solutions. For the first time in Michigan, a historic education budget has been passed by legislators who truly understand the importance of investing in Michigan schools. From Senators who served as teachers in the classroom to members of their school boards, the Legislature is full of leaders who understand the importance of advocating for students and teachers across Michigan.  

“Our students, parents and teachers are the ultimate experts on what our education system needs, and that’s why throughout the budget process, my colleagues and I put them at the forefront of our discussions and our decision-making,” said Sen. Darrin Camilleri, Chairman of the Senate Pre-K-12 Education Budget and a former high school social studies teacher. “We have heeded their calls for support, equity and innovation, and I’m incredibly proud of the historic investments, transformative programs and concrete solutions that are included in the education budget.” 

“As a former educator and an ongoing advocate for our kids, teachers and schools, I am so proud to help deliver this monumental school budget that invests in the areas of greatest need for our students and our school system,” said Sen. Dayna Polehanki, a former high school English teacher and two-time teacher of the year in her school district. “We are ensuring that all kids have the food they need to thrive and the supports they need to succeed, and that their schools have the funding necessary to address all students’ needs.”    

The Education Budget also includes significant investments in school transportation and infrastructure. It addresses teacher compensation via a per-pupil grant to be used for teacher bonuses and a $225 million pilot program for student loan stipends for teachers to help improve teacher recruitment and retention and counter our state’s teacher shortage crisis. 

“We need to be approaching teacher retention and recruitment on multiple fronts, looking at ways to pay our teachers better as well as ways to reduce their debt,” Sen. Camilleri added. “Teaching is often a career decision driven by the heart, but we want to make it a more financially feasible profession as well. Our kids deserve the best teachers, and our teachers deserve the best policies.” 

Sen. Camilleri’s student loan forgiveness pilot would be for full-time educators and other school staff working directly with students, and the amount would vary depending on the poverty level of the district they’re working at to incentivize educators to pursue opportunities with higher-need schools.    

“With this budget, we are making a pledge to every Michigan child that they will have the resources, environment, and guidance to succeed on any path they choose” said Senate Majority Leader Brinks. “We’re bringing new approaches to age-old problems, like supporting intervention programs that help kids with specific challenges, ensuring every student has a meal to eat during the school day, and making teacher education more affordable. The legislation being signed today will have both an immediate impact and a generational one, and I am tremendously proud to be leading a Senate that has been so diligent in delivering for the families of Michigan.” 

The Senate Democratic Majority recognizes the importance of providing well-researched and effective resources to ensure that all members of our learning communities are being supported. Our youth deserve classroom experiences where they are empowered and supported, regardless of their background or lived experience. This Education Budget plays a critical role in achieving these goals and will help continue to shape a more equitable learning environment for all.  

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