LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – State leaders sat down with Lansing elementary students for lunch this morning, underscoring the ongoing debate over funding for free school breakfast and lunch programs as lawmakers work to finalize Michigan’s next budget.
House and Senate negotiators are weighing whether to keep “categorical” funding streams in the School Aid budget. These categories set aside money for specific programs such as free meals, special education, and English language learner support.
House Republicans have proposed removing many of these categories and redirecting the money into higher overall per-pupil funding, giving school districts more flexibility to decide how the funds are spent. Democrats argue that without protected categories, programs that serve vulnerable students could be put at risk.
“To start the day, we need to make sure our kids have at the very least food, so they are there to focus on learning and they don’t have to think about their basic human needs,” said Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing).
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist joined Lansing kindergarteners for lunch at Riddle Elementary, stressing the importance of protecting free meal funding in particular.
“This is not about the Republicans winning a negotiation or the Democrats winning a negotiation,” Gilchrist said. “These kids need to win the negotiation about being able to eat at school.”
Lansing School District Superintendent Ben Shuldiner said categorical funding helps ensure resources reach students who need them most.
“You have this wonderful baseline that’s going to support everybody, and then look at different populations that need extra support,” Shuldiner said. He added that while some flexibility for schools could be helpful, categorical funding for programs like meals and special education is critical.
Lawmakers face a September 30 deadline to pass a new state budget. If they miss it, Michigan risks a government shutdown. School districts are also facing pressure, as their state funding checks are due October 10.
