LANSING, Mich. — The state Legislature on Thursday approved record public school funding for the 2020 fiscal year.
“This afternoon’s vote puts us one step closer to getting a final budget in place,” said state Sen. Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes. “Our schools will receive record funding without raising taxes, and they will finally be able to get their finances in order after an uncertain start to the school year.”
School Aid will see a record investment of $15.3 billion — an increase of $424 million over last year and the largest investment in the state’s history. Under the measure approved Thursday afternoon, schools will see a foundation allowance increase of between $120 and $240 per pupil, an increase from the governor’s proposed $120-$180 formula.
The “2X” funding formula allows districts at the minimum foundation allowance to receive two times the amount of the increase that schools at the higher end receive. Rural schools are often at the base amount, so the increase of $240 per student is another step in closing the gap between districts across the state.
Outman said the use of this formula has tremendously benefitted his district.
“Schools across my district will receive increased per student funding as part of the 2X formula,” Outman said. “We must ensure every Michigan student receives an education that prepares them for success and that students are competing on a level playing field. Michigan has come a long way in recent years and continuing to make investments in our future like the one made today will keep that momentum moving forward.”
The measure also increases funding for literacy programs, special education and school safety, while also putting more resources toward career technical education and skilled trades training.
The legislation will now go before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for final consideration.
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