State Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) speaks at the “Supporting MI Students” press conference and Education bill signing at Gardner Magnet School in Lansing on Oct. 10, 2024.
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 10, 2024 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer enacted three landmark education bills aimed at enhancing school safety and supporting student literacy. With the signing of House Bill 5503, the school aid supplemental, Michigan’s schools are receiving a total of $150 million to prioritize the safety and mental well-being of Michigan’s children, including an additional $1 million designated specifically for violence prevention initiatives.
Additionally, a comprehensive package to improve literacy instruction and intervention in public schools has also been enacted. Senate Bill 567 mandates pre-screenings for dyslexia and other reading difficulties, while Senate Bill 568 directs the Michigan Department of Education to conduct research and approve teaching programs that utilize curricula proven to assist students facing literacy challenges, including dyslexia.
Following the bill signings, state Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), released the following statement:
“Investing in Michigan’s students and their education supports a bright future for Michigan, and I am proud to have helped pass legislation that invests hundreds of millions of dollars into Michigan classrooms. The signing of the school aid supplemental demonstrates Democrats’ unwavering commitment to strengthening our schools and ensuring the well-being of our children. We are dedicated to supporting our students and actively working to bridge the literacy gap. Each child has a unique learning style, and these new laws provide our schools and educators with screening tools tailored to support every student read and write more proficiently. We are building an education system that works for everyone — one that empowers every student, supports every teacher and lifts up every community.”
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