LANSING – State Representatives Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge), Andy Schor (D-Lansing) and Tom Cochran (D-Mason) introduced legislation today to raise minimum per-pupil funding from $50 to the original Executive Recommendation of $83. They were joined by Lansing School Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul and Okemos School Superintendent Dr. Catherine Ash.
“Many people see the $50 bump as an increase, but this number is misleading,” Singh said. “With the higher costs many schools are facing and rising inflation, only putting $50 per pupil into our classrooms can actually be a cut. Our legislation will make sure schools receive what they need to offer a world-class education for our kids.”
“I’ve worked in our public schools, and I’ve seen how even a small amount of increased funding can help students succeed,” Abed said. “Taking away money from the budget that is supposed to help our schools – schools that are already hurting from a lack of funding – can cause major problems for the future of our kids.”
“The Lansing School District and so many other districts across the state got short changed at the last minute,” Schor said. “The students deserve a quality education, and the $50 passed at the last minute in the budget just doesn’t cut it. Our students deserve better, and they should at least get the $83 increase that charter schools and cyber schools are getting.”
Cochran added, “An investment in education for our kids is an investment in Michigan’s future because an educated workforce is a strong workforce that will attract businesses, retain talent, and offer new opportunities to Michigan’s citizens.”