“The School Aid Fund budget that was presented to us tonight fell short of what Michigan’s students deserve. I could not, in good conscience, vote for this bill knowing that it decreased funding for every school in western Washtenaw County by thousands of dollars, while increasing the funding for a single cyber school by more than $200,000, compared to the governor’s Executive Recommendation. Our school districts are academically high-performing schools that bring our communities together for Friday night football games, performances and family events. When I speak with my constituents back at home, they tell me over and over that their top funding priorities, regardless of political affiliation, are schools, roads and infrastructure. This bill does not do justice to the hard work occurring in my district’s schools. As the budget process continues, I will be working to ensure that the backbones of our community — our local school districts — are funded appropriately. We can find a way to work together and fully support our hardworking schools and students across Michigan, because they deserve better.”
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