LANSING, Mich. — The state Legislature on Thursday approved record public school funding for the 2020 fiscal year.
“The legislation approved by both chambers today shows the commitment my colleagues and I made to Michigan students and teachers,” said Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Lum. “I commend my colleagues for putting our differences aside, negotiating hard and coming up with a product that increases the investment in our schools without raising taxes.”
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 Legislature again used the “2X” funding formula to further close existing education funding gaps between districts across the state. The formula allows districts at the minimum foundation allowance to receive two times the amount of the increase that schools at the higher end receive.
“The 2X formula has proven to be successful in closing the gap between school districts, and I am happy to see that investment being made toward an equal playing field,” Daley said. “Rural districts are often overlooked, and this formula will help schools in my district get the resources they need to compete statewide.”
The measure also increases funding for special education and school safety, while also putting more resources toward career technical education and skilled trades training.
The 2020 K-12 budget will now go before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for consideration.
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