KENTWOOD, Mich., Aug. 7, 2023 — Today, state Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks at Endeavor Elementary School in Kentwood where they provided school lunches to local students. After the event, Fitzgerald issued the following statement:

“It’s always an honor to have Gov. Whitmer join Senate Majority Leader Brinks and me in West Michigan but today was something truly special. Together, we helped serve over 50 school lunches for students at Endeavor Elementary in Kentwood, in recognition of the historic School Aid budget recently signed into law, which includes free breakfast and lunch for every public school student across Michigan.

Kentwood Athletics Director Dave Emeott, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, rising high school senior Lexi Hurst, state Rep. John Fitzgerald and Kentwood Superintendent Kevin Polston at Endeavor Elementary in Kentwood.

“After the event, we spoke with students, faculty, administrators, and food service-providers about how this investment will positively impact their lives. No student can learn on an empty stomach, and now they won’t have to, thanks to Healthy School Meals for All.”

More on the School Aid Budget:

The recent FY 2023-24 School Aid budget increased the school operations budget by 6.4% for a total of over $1.5 billion in operational funding. For the first time in Michigan’s history, the state fully funds the special education foundation allowance and invests over $1 billion for economically disadvantaged students. The budget includes $150 million to provide historic first-time funding for school transportation. Additionally, funding was included to address declining enrollment and retirement costs. Over half a billion dollars will go toward improvements to school infrastructure and enhanced school safety.

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