Governor Gretchen Whitmer has approved a $23.4 billion education spending plan that is part of Michigan’s new state budget and aims to provide free schooling for many residents.
Some have criticized the plan for its investment in some areas while cutting school safety funding, mental health funding, and diverting funds away from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS).
Education Key to Growth
Whitmer spoke in Flint, Michigan this week discussing the state’s efforts to invest in education.
“As you all know, education is the key to growth: economic growth, community growth, personal growth. A good economy is built on great schools that deliver better outcomes,” said Whitmer.
Michigan Guarantee
During her speech, Whitmer extolled a promise to Michiganders that she called the “Michigan Guarantee” on education.
“Earlier this year, I proposed what we’re calling the Michigan guarantee, which is a plan to give every child access to free public education from pre K through community college and I’m really proud that in this budget, we were able to get it done,” Whitmer said.
New Budget
The new state budget for 2025 includes a $130 million investment to give free pre-K education to every 4-year-old in Michigan.
Another $30 million has been allocated to fund the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which gives Michigan high school graduates an opportunity to receive free tuition at a community college or up to $27,500 towards the cost of their bachelor’s degree.
More Funding
This new budget also provides $52 million to help Michiganders 25 years and older with free tuition as they pursue a degree or skills certification.
Another $20 million is going to low-income students in Michigan who attend community college, and $14.5 million will provide tuition-free education to Native Americans at the state’s public universities.
Fair Shot at a Dream
Whitmer expressed her desire for every Michigan resident to be set up for success by having the expenses holding them back dismantled.
“In Michigan, we want every single person to be able to get on the path that is best for them. Whether you’re headed to a trade school, starting a union-backed apprenticeship, going to community college tuition-free, you deserve a fair shot at your dream,” Whitmer said.
Going into Effect
This latest budget will go into effect on October 1 and also include $200 million to provide free breakfast and lunches for all students, something Whitmer wants to make permanent.
“With access to free pre-K for all, record funding for students, free school meals, on-campus mental health resources, and tuition-free community college for every high school graduate, this budget will improve outcomes, lower costs, and strengthen our education system,” Whitmer said.
Record Breaking
According to Whitmer, this new education investment stands out as record-breaking. She signed the budget on Tuesday at Educare Flint, a no-cost education center for children up to five years old.
“This balanced education budget—my sixth—makes record-breaking investments to support our students, invest in our schools, and empower our educators,” said Whitmer.
Criticizing Whitmer
Michigan Republicans and other critics have come out in opposition to the plan, pointing out cuts to school safety and mental health grants as negatives.
“This reduction will slow Michigan’s recent momentum in addressing student mental health challenges,” state Superintendent Michael Rice said. “A $300 million reduction in funding for children’s mental health services and school safety fails to recognize the physical and mental health needs of our students.”
School Safety
Multiple Republican lawmakers have levied criticisms in released statements of the new budget, accusing it of putting Michigan school children at risk.
“These cuts deal a devastating blow to schools in Genesee County and throughout Michigan,” Republican state Rep. David Martin said. “Schools cannot function properly without adequate funding for safety and mental health. These budget cuts recklessly and unnecessarily put our children at risk.”
Diverting Funding
Republicans have also criticized this latest budget proposal for diverting $670 million in funding away from the MPSERS retirement fund. They also accuse Democrat lawmakers of trying to lower the contribution requirement to retirement healthcare from public school teachers permanently.
“The Democrats’ priorities are misplaced, and it’s our kids who are paying the price,” Martin said. “We must demand better for our schools, our teachers, and most importantly, our children.”
Responding to Criticism
The education budget passed the chambers of state Congress along party lines, with Republicans voting against it. Whitmer has responded to criticism about school safety dollars, saying the cuts enable local districts to be more flexible.
“It doesn’t mean that it’s gone, it simply means that it’s not mandated from the state and that it’s ultimately going to be a local decision,” Whitmer said. The governor has not indicated whether she would support a permanent contribution cut for MPSERS being considered in the legislature.
