State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) speaks at the “Supporting MI Students” press conference and education bill signing even on Oct. 10, 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. With the signing of the school aid supplemental, House Bill 5503, schools are receiving 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. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), chair of the House Education Committee, issued the following statement:
“I am proud to have brought home legislation that puts hundreds of millions of dollars back into our classrooms — today’s signing of the school aid supplemental is further proof of this Democratic-led Legislature’s commitment to keeping our school strong and our kids healthy. Michigan Democrats are delivering for our students, and we’re taking action to close the literacy gap in our state. These new literacy laws not only recognize that every child learns differently, but the policy will also equip our schools and teachers with the screening tools and curricula they need to support every child’s path to literacy. This is a life-changing policy for kids facing dyslexia and other reading challenges, and I am happy to see these bills set our kids up for a brighter future.”
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