This week, the Michigan Senate passed two omnibus budgets providing funding for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on October 1.
Key Points:
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- The Senate continues funding programs such as free school meals for all public K-12 students, Rx Kids, and tax credits for working families.
- Targeted funding to provide downpayment assistance to first-generation homebuyers.
- Increased per-pupil funding with a new weighted funding formula.
- $235 million for literacy, including early literacy coaches, school libraries, LETRS training, and curriculum supports.
- $300 million for school safety and mental health efforts.
- Bonuses for educators to help recruit and retain teachers.
The House and Senate, along with the executive office, will continue negotiations on the budget. Under state law, a budget must be completed by July 1. However, there are no ramifications if that deadline is not met, as we saw last year.
