State Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) speaks with students in Lansing on May 22, 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. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) issued the following statement:
“These laws are an investment in the future of our kids, and I am proud to have helped fight to put our students first. As a mom with four children in our public schools, I understand how critical it is to ensure that our schools have the resources they need to provide every student a quality education. This school safety and mental health funding will empower our district’s schools to invest in the wellbeing of our kids. Every student learns differently, and our children deserve schools that can accommodate their learning needs. I am excited that these literacy bills will give every kid a pathway to literacy, setting them up for a bright future.”
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