From boosting per-pupil funding to providing bonuses for teachers, this budget builds on Senate Dems’ work to support all those in the classroom
LANSING, Mich. (April 21, 2026) — Today, the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee voted to advance a record education budget that continues to build on the caucus’ work to ensure all those in the classroom have the support they deserve. The proposal includes investments to foster safe and healthy learning environments, help students achieve literacy, and recruit and retain the best educators.
“This budget was informed by parents and educators and people who understand one simple truth: there’s no greater investment than the one we make in our children’s future,” said Sen. Camilleri, a former educator and current Chair of the PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee. “That’s why we’re prioritizing our students and teachers in this budget, providing them with increased funding that translates directly into stronger classroom supports, safer learning environments, and more opportunities for every student to succeed.”
While Washington Republicans have proposed multi-billion dollar cuts to education for the coming school year, Senate Democrats are stepping up and prioritizing Michigan students and teachers over tax cuts for the wealthy. For the fourth consecutive year, Senate Dems’ proposal includes a per-pupil increase for a total of $10,300. This investment is paired with a new weighted funding formula that would provide more predictable school funding for years to come, giving districts the ability to make strategic, long-term plans to support student success.
To combat Michigan’s teacher shortage, which is fueled by a high turnover rate, Senate Democrats’ proposal also includes $150 million to provide bonuses to educators. This valuable tool offers a cost-effective strategy for retaining high-performing teachers, as Michigan continues to face a gap between the number of certified teachers entering the profession and those leaving the classroom.
In addition to increased per-pupil funding and teacher bonuses, the proposal funds a comprehensive approach to boost literacy rates among Michigan students. Early literacy coaches, school libraries, LETRS training, and curriculum supports are among the critical resources receiving funding. This builds on years of previous literacy funding, as Senate Dems like Sen. Polehanki — who spent nearly 20 years teaching — understand that it takes strategic, sustained investments to ensure every child has the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.
“Like most other parents, I worry about my kids constantly — whether they’re safe, whether they’re happy and healthy. And those worries don’t stop when they’re at school,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “Every student and parent deserves to know that when they walk into school, they are protected, supported, and able to focus on learning. That’s why we’re stepping up to make the investments necessary to ensure that safety is not a question in our schools.”
This proposal is also part of Senate Democrats’ ongoing commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to a safe school, a strong support system, and the opportunities they need to thrive. To achieve this, the budget includes an additional $300 million for school safety and mental health efforts, which will allow districts to hire more counselors and social workers and modernize security systems.
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