LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new education budget plan from House Republicans would increase overall K-12 school funding while eliminating dedicated support for programs, including free school meals, mental health services, teacher recruitment, and school safety grants.
The $21.9 billion proposal represents a 5.5% increase from the current year, but it marks a dramatic shift in how education dollars would be distributed. Instead of funding specific programs through categorical grants, the budget consolidates over $1 billion into a single per-pupil payment.
Under the plan, districts would receive nearly $2,000 more per student from a new $3.08 billion categorical fund, with the only requirement being a pledge to support at least one school resource officer and one mental health staff member.
House Republicans argue the change gives schools more flexibility and prioritizes local control.
“This is about putting something forth that makes sense for the kids in Michigan to be educated and for our local districts to empower them to make better decisions,” said Rep.Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
But the plan has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and education leaders, who say it guts targeted support for Michigan’s most vulnerable students.
“This duct-taped budget removes guaranteed and targeted funding for improving early literacy, addressing the teacher shortage, and supporting students who have the greatest needs,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “It puts at risk statewide education priorities.”
The proposal also includes new boilerplate language that would penalize districts financially if they fund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, teach content related to race or gender stereotypes, or allow transgender children to compete on sports teams for their preferred gender. Schools violating those rules could lose up to 22% of their foundation allowance.
Michigan Democrats blasted the proposal, calling it harmful to working families and students, and calling categoricals a form of accountability for districts.
“This education budget kills the school breakfast and lunch programs, cuts funding for school safety and mental health, and raises costs for families,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel. “It does nothing to improve learning outcomes.”
Republicans say the budget includes transfers from education reserve funds and avoids raising taxes. However, critics argue the plan uses one-time funds unsustainably and undercuts recent bipartisan efforts to improve education access and outcomes.
The House GOP plan now heads into negotiations with the Democratic-led Senate and the governor’s office as lawmakers face a July 1 deadline to finalize the state budget.