State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) speaks at a school safety town hall on April 30, 2024.
LANSING, Mich. Oct. 10, 2024 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed three historic education bills into law today, investing in school safety and supporting student literacy. The school aid supplemental, House Bill 5503, ensures school systems across the state will receive a total of $150 million to invest in the safety and mental health of Michigan’s kids. Plus, there is an additional $1 million specifically allocated for gun violence prevention.
A bill package strengthening the effectiveness of literacy instruction and intervention in public schools also became law today. Senate Bill 567 mandates pre-screenings for characteristics of dyslexia and other reading challenges, and SB 568 requires the Michigan Department of Education to research and only approve teaching programs that include curricula proven to support students who experience difficulties with achieving literacy, including dyslexia.
After the bill signings, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement:
“These laws will empower schools to give every child a quality education. The additional school funding equips schools across Calhoun County with the funding they need to address safety and mental health for our children. Our students deserve access to an equitable education, and that includes accommodating for learning differences. These literacy laws will help our dedicated teachers support every child as they learn to read and write. I look forward to continuing to support legislation that puts our schools and students first.”
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