LANSING (WWJ) -- Michigan lawmakers have given the seal of approval on a multi-billion dollar education budget.
The $17.1 billon plan, passed yesterday by the Senate, boosts funding for K-12 schools by 10%, compared to the current, $15.5 billion budget.
The bill also eliminates the funding gap among school districts, allocating $8,700 per student across the state.
The Michigan House overwhelmingly approved a $65 billion spending plan in a vote last week.
The Senate’s version added another $300 million to the budget, including $155 million in reading scholarships that would be distributed through Grand Valley State University.
The bill also increases funding for preschools, and adds $240 million for school psychologists, counselors, social workers and nurses.
“The bipartisan school aid bill makes historic investments in our children without raising taxes and will help each and every student thrive academically, mentally, and physically,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “I look forward to signing this legislation to expand the Great Start Readiness preschool program for 22,000 more children and connect more students to counselors, psychologists and nurses in their schools.”
Senators approved the plan in a 33-1 vote on Wednesday before adjourning until July 15.
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