FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from AFT Michigan
July 13, 2021
Contact: David Hecker, 313-204-6115, dhecker@aftmichigan.org
Whitmer Signs Historic K-12 Education Budget
Governor once again proves herself a strong advocate for public schools
MICHIGAN – On Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a K-12 education budget that will go a long way toward ensuring every student in Michigan receives a quality public education. This budget, which will be the largest investment in K-12 public schools in Michigan history, will also help close the funding gap between the state’s highest- and lowest-funded schools and increase access to preschool by expanding the Great Start Readiness Program to cover every eligible 4-year-old.
“By signing this historic budget, Gov. Whitmer has once again proven herself a strong advocate for Michigan’s public schools,” said David Hecker, president of AFT Michigan. “This is what happens when our elected officials listen to educators, make the well-being of our students a priority, and work in a bi-partisan manner. For too long, our public schools have suffered from underfunding and an unacceptable gap between the highest- and lowest-funded schools and this budget will go a long way toward righting those wrongs. Expanding the Great Start Readiness Program is also a huge step forward as we work to ensure every child, regardless of who they are or where they live, can attend preschool. We’re optimistic that this long-overdue reform will benefit students across the state, and we look forward to seeing what comes next as Gov. Whitmer continues her work to create a brighter future for our children and public education.”
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