LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 6, 2025) — Last Friday, Senate Democrats passed a bipartisan budget to fund Michigan K-12 schools and higher education institutions, delivering on key priorities that benefit our students and educators. In response, Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), Majority Vice Chair of the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, has released the following statement:
“From teaching for nearly 20 years in our public schools to serving as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am thrilled that we have delivered another historic School Aid budget that ensures every Michigan student has equitable access to a quality education. My Democratic colleagues and I worked across the aisle to secure funding for the priorities that matter most to our public schools, including special education programs, at-risk support, and free school meals. I’m proud of our collaborative efforts to not only invest in the safety, well-being, and success of our kids, but to also equip them with the resources necessary for a bright future.”
Following months of advocacy and negotiation from Senate Democrats, the School Aid budget passed today:
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Continues the widely popular free school breakfast and lunch program, which ensures students can learn on full bellies, while helping parents save an average of $850 per year;
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Improves student-to-teacher ratios through a competitive grant program and by allowing school districts to use up to 30% of at-risk funds on reducing class sizes;
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Ensures universal pre-K for all;
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Increases at-risk funding by 25%;
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Secures $203 million to increase educator compensation;
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Expands special education funding;
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Increases funding for English-language learners by 25%;
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Adds dedicated funding to hire school resource officers and mental health professionals;
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Removes the allowance for COVID-19-era virtual days, ensuring kids are in school as much as possible;
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Addresses school infrastructure needs;
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Improves teacher recruitment and retention;
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Expands funding for career and technical education;
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Delivers $147 million for district health care costs; and
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Makes significant investments into a pupil support reserve fund and school transportation fund.