LANSING — State Representative Adam Zemke (D-Ann Arbor) expressed optimism today that some of the proposals Gov. Rick Snyder outlined in his budget presentation would help members of his district. However, Zemke remains concerned about the funding details of initiatives, including the expansion of early childhood education.
“I strongly support giving Michigan kids a head start by improving access to early education, but if we agree that it is vital to generations of future Michiganders, then we need to offer it to all eligible children,” Zemke said. “Every child in our state deserves the best education possible, and to provide this requires funding for full access to these programs.”
As part of his role on the House Appropriations Committee, Zemke is a member of the Department of Education Subcommittee and is the Democratic vice chairman of the Community Colleges and Joint Capital Outlay subcommittees. Among the other proposals Zemke supports are increased funding for community colleges and universities, encouraging educational programs to create engineers and skilled tradespeople, and expanding Medicaid using federal grant money.
“As an engineer, I am particularly excited to see an increase in support for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education – something that is dear to my heart and critical to Michigan’s economic future,” Zemke said.
He continued, “The governor and I agree on these goals, but as always, the devil’s in the details. I look forward to working with members of both parties and both chambers to craft a state budget that reflects Washtenaw County values and gives students and families the support they need.”