(WWJ/AP) Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature are proposing a $1.3 billion one-time funding boost to help K-12 schools reopen during the coronavirus pandemic.
The plan unveiled Tuesday also calls for letting schools start before Labor Day without needing a waiver, redefining "attendance" to allow for online learning, and reducing the number of snow day allowances so remote instruction occurs instead.
It also requires kindergarten through 5th graders to be in school.
The GOP proposal would increase state funding by $800 per-student to implement robust distance-learning plans and to cover new health and safety measures.
Also, frontline teachers would each get a $500 bonus.
Rep. Ryan Berman, a Republican representing Oakland County, said funding would come from federal COVID-19 relief under the CARES Act.
"We already have that money here," Berman explained. "It has just not been allocated to what area. And, you know, it's my position as part of this task force and my thing is making sure that we are responsible with our taxpayer money."
State Rep. Matt Kolezar, a Democrat from Plymouth, said he's concerned because the money could only be used toward upgrading technology.
"I'm all for increasing broadband access, especially for our students in rural areas or in low-income areas; I think it's very important that they have that access," Kolezar said. "My fear is that this becomes nothing more than a giveaway to a lot of the online education companies — most of whom are for profit."
Kolezar, said that after decades of Republicans reducing teacher benefits and freezing their pay, the $500 bonus falls short.
"We have also gotten feedback that teachers are, quite frankly, very apprehensive and nervous to return to the classroom with COVID-19," he said. "And suggesting that a $500 one-time payment is a fix-all for that? We need to focus on, you know, getting out teachers the tools that they need to be successful in the classroom."
Uncertainty remains on whether schools may still face cuts due to uncertainty over a revenue shortfall caused by the pandemic.
This comes as Gov, Gretchen Whitmer is expected to release her plan for the re-opening of schools on June 30, after working with a panel of educators, parents and health experts to put it together.
While she hasn't said what's in it, she said Michigan will need for support and flexibility from the federal government to help ensure the funding is there.
"Schools must make sure to enact strict safety measures to continue protecting educators, students, and their families. I will continue working closely with the Return to Learn Advisory Council and leaders in health care to ensure we get this right, but we also need more flexibility and support from the federal government," the governor said. "This crisis has had serious implications on our budget, and we need federal support if we’re going to get this right for our kids.”