Weiss, Fellow Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Invest in Kids

Legislation would ensure funding for Michigan schools in face of Republican budget delays

 

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 16, 2025 — State Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) hosted a press conference with state Reps. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.), Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) and Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), as well as Dori Leyko, Superintendent of East Lansing Public Schools, to introduce a 10-bill legislative package, House Bills 4868-4877, that would codify certain school aid categoricals into law.

“This year’s budget process has made one thing clear: Republicans cannot be trusted to prioritize funding for critical investments in our kids and schools, so we are stepping up to defend and ensure this funding for future generations,” Weiss said. “This package delivers what schools need most — predictability for districts, stability for educators and opportunity for children.”

“This package is a commitment that no child will sit in a classroom afraid, hungry, unheard or unsupported. This is how we build safer schools and stronger minds,” Miller said. “Kids can’t learn or pass tests if they don’t feel safe. Through thick and thin, my bill would make certain that every single school can fund the safety infrastructure and mental health resources their students need. My colleagues and I stand with our education leaders, and we will continue to defend kids’ access to the programs they depend on most.”

“Our bill package will provide clarity at a time when there is so much budget uncertainty,” Mentzer said. “The universal school meal program has overwhelming support from our students, families, teachers and schools. But there is currently no funding for the program. Without a final school aid budget districts across the state have canceled school meals, piling even more stress on families. What we know is that kids don’t learn when they’re hungry. It is absolutely essential that we support the universal meals program because no child should go hungry at school.”

“A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. If we cannot guarantee support for students in special education, then we are failing that test. Special education isn’t a favor we grant; it’s a moral promise we must keep. Protecting these services is about giving every child the chance to succeed,” Carter said.

The bills in this package would:

  • Require current year funding for special ed, GSRP, CTE, transportation and rural and isolated districts as a floor.
  • Require a payment equal to 75% of the foundation allowance to students in the lowest WIDA band, 50% for the middle band and 35% for the highest.
  • Allocate $210 per pupil for mental health and school safety.
  • Set at-risk rate at 35% of foundation allowance.
  • Codify the free school lunch and breakfast program.

A recording of the press conference can be viewed here: Investing in Education Press Conference.

 

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