LANSING, Mich., Feb. 8, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her recommended budget for the fiscal 2024-25 at a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations committees today at the Capitol. The budget funds all state departments and public education. The proposed spending plan includes record public school funding, expanding clean energy, improvements in infrastructure and public health, and investments in public safety and local communities. State Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) issued the following statement on Whitmer’s executive budget proposal:
“I am thrilled the governor has put such a significant focus on carving out funds for Michigan students and our education system. The plan to expand programs for universal pre-K means all families will have access to child care, so they can go to work and best provide for their children. Plus, data shows that children who receive an early education are much more likely to succeed in primary, high school and beyond. It is also crucial that K-12 students are provided what they need to excel. For that reason, I wholeheartedly stand behind the proposed $9,806 per-pupil funding — which, yet again, beats a school funding record. These investments will soundly support students in West Michigan and all across the state, so they have the space to dream big and to make those dreams become a reality right here in Michigan.”