Legislators continue putting students, educators first
LANSING, Mich. Sept. 25, 2024 — Michigan House Democrats passed House Bill 5503 today, which continues their legacy of supporting Michigan schools and students. These investments will provide school systems across the state more resources to invest in school safety and mental health, ensuring the best outcome for Michigan kids.
“This legislation signals our continued commitment to making our schools stronger. We continue supporting robust investments in education that will allow dedicated educators to continue building a learning environment conducive for all students,” said Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “We’ve put the power and accountability back at the school level so administrators and others on the ground can best respond and put the money where they deem it’s needed most.”
House Democrats are making smart investments to set up students and local schools for a healthy today and bright future. With the expiration of one-time federal COVID relief, these resources will help schools continue upgrading health and safety measures to keep students focused on learning, letting kids simply be kids.
“When you have less money to work with but the same needs, you have to budget wisely — the same thing families across Michigan are doing every day,” said state Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township), chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “My colleagues and I are dedicated to serving the kids, teachers and parents of Michigan. We took the time to find available funding so that we could lift up hometown schools without breaking the bank.”
Michigan Democrats also have legislation to reform the teacher retirement system that will undo punitive Republican rules that stole dollars away from public schools under the guise of fiscal responsibility. The Democratic legislation will return around $600 million back to schools and will also adjust the years-long 3% payment by certain teachers into their retiree health care. These changes are permanent and will provide relief over the years for more important investments.
“As a teacher-turned-legislator, I saw firsthand the effects of years of under-funding in the classroom. In addition to increasing our investments in school safety and mental health, Democrats are giving schools relief from these burdensome payments into the public school retirement fund,” said state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), chair of the House Education Committee. “Our fiscal 2025 education budget freed up hundreds of millions of dollars that schools can put back into the classroom, where it belongs. Today, we’re making that change permanent. A bright future for students, teachers and schools is a bright future for Michigan.”
Earlier this year, Democrats passed a successful School Aid budget that furthered their commitment to Michigan schools and keeping money in kids’ classrooms. House Democrats expanded quality pre-K availability to families in Michigan and ensured adult learners have access to free or reduced-price community college. The budget also continued universal school meals for public school students, so Michigan kids aren’t learning on empty stomachs.
“Between a budget that gave Michigan schools an average of $400 more per pupil than last year, freeing districts from unnecessary retirement costs, and stepping up to provide more resources for student safety and mental health, my colleagues and I are leading with our values and investing in our state’s most precious resource — our children,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), chair of House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Education. “I am incredibly proud to vote for these measures that will make a drastic improvement in the lives of students and teachers, not just for today, but for years to come.”