LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Michigan Senate Democrats unveiled a record $22.01 billion PreK-12 education budget proposal Tuesday, seeking to bolster classroom resources and teacher support for the upcoming fiscal year.
The plan, introduced by the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, proposes increasing the per-pupil foundation allowance by $250 to a total of $10,300 per student. Key pillars of the investment include a commitment to universal free school meals, $300 million for mental health and school safety initiatives, and $235 million dedicated to enhancing literacy programs across the state.
The proposal also signals a push for long-term structural changes, including the codification of a 15-year weighted spending formula designed to provide schools with greater financial predictability based on specific student needs.
Additional allocations include $1.5 billion for at-risk students and $150 million for teacher bonuses to improve retention and recruitment. As negotiations continue, Senate Democrats highlighted that this budget aims to shield public schools from potential federal funding uncertainties while prioritizing the modernization of school infrastructure and transportation.
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