LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 11, 2021) — Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget recommendation today, which includes the largest investment in schools in state history:
“For the past year, while we have all grappled with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our students — especially those with special needs or who are at an economic disadvantage — have struggled in and out of the classroom. I appreciate that the governor recognizes how much additional support our educators need and has crafted budget recommendations with a priority focus on our schools. I sincerely hope my colleagues can recognize how important it is that we fund education appropriately in this budget cycle and the need for us to work together to make this funding proposal a reality.”
Among the specific educational investments recommended by Gov. Whitmer in the state budget are:
- A 2% increase (totaling $14.1 million) for economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, special education students, and students in rural and isolated districts.
- Increases in the base per-pupil funding of both the minimum and maximum, reducing the gap between the highest- and lowest-funded districts to $336 per pupil.
- $250 million for “student recovery supports” related to academic recovery, physical and mental health, and postsecondary readiness and transition.
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