LANSING, Mich., March 10, 2021 — State Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) introduced legislation yesterday to help guarantee every child in Detroit has access to a quality education. House Bill 4480 would appropriate $94.4 million to fund literacy-related programs and initiatives for Detroit Public Schools Community District.
“Our kids, regardless of where they live and go to school, deserve every opportunity to receive a good education putting them on the pathway to happiness and success,” said Thanedar. “We must do all we can to fix the systemic educational inequalities that for too long have hurt our young learners in Detroit and communities throughout the state.”
As part of last year’s settlement in the Detroit “right-to-read” lawsuit, Governor Whitmer has asked the Legislature to approve $94.4 million for literacy efforts at Detroit schools. The settlement also requires the Michigan Department of Education to provide guidance to districts on literacy and establishes two Detroit-based task forces outside of state government to advise the governor on literacy and education in the city.
“Different courts may have varying opinions, but I believe literacy is a fundamental right that must be upheld and protected like any of those enshrined in the U.S. Constitution,” said Thanedar. “Appropriating these critical dollars is a good first step.”
HB 4480 has been referred to the House Committee on Appropriations. State Sen. Adam Hollier (D-Detroit) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate (SB 148).
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