FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from AFT Michigan
May 27, 2021
Contact: David Hecker, 313-204-6115, dhecker@aftmichigan.org
Whitmer Budget Has the Right Priorities for K-12 Schools
Governor’s new K-12 education budget will help create a brighter future for our children.
MICHIGAN – On Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced details of her updated budget proposal for K-12 education, which includes the additional money appropriated by the budget estimating conference. Gov. Whitmer’s plan will help move our state forward and address many of the problems educators and students have struggled with for decades.
This budget replaces an outdated, one-size-fits-all model with a weighted formula that recognizes students’ unique needs and funds our schools accordingly. Gov. Whitmer’s proposal also calls for a 4 percent increase in per-pupil funding and allocates millions of dollars to support programs that would help meet vulnerable students’ needs both in and outside of the classroom.
“Gov. Whitmer has always been a strong advocate for students and educators across Michigan, and this budget proves it once again,” said David Hecker, president of AFT Michigan. “Students and educators deserve a budget that reflects their needs and provides schools across the state with the resources needed to set them up for success. We applaud Gov. Whitmer’s leadership and are grateful for her commitment to making decisions based on evidence and the lived experiences of educators and students. The changes she’s proposing are long overdue, and we urge the legislature to strongly consider the governor’s recommendations to benefit our students and teachers.”
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