Senate Moves Increase to Education Funding

This week, the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee moved its proposed budget for the 2025 – 2026 Fiscal Year, including an increase in funding.

Key Points:

• • Senate Bill 166 was introduced by Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown), who also chairs the Subcommittee.
  • The proposal increases per-pupil funding by 4.2% to $10,008. This is higher than the executive recommendation.
  • $350 million for school infrastructure grants.
  • $275 million for mental health and school safety.
  • $65 million for a competitive grant program for districts to reduce K to 3 class sizes.
  • $20 million for community violence intervention grants.
  • The budget also includes funding to continue free breakfast and lunch for all public school students.

Next Steps:

• • The budget moves to the full Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
  • The new Fiscal Year begins on October 1, 2025.