LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Dan Lauwers on Wednesday said he supports key items in the approved fiscal year 2021 budget plan that balances the state’s deficit and increases investments in important priorities like K-12 education and public safety.
“The education of our children is vital to our success as a state, and I am happy today’s budget prioritizes K-12 education,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “In addition, the general budget focuses resources on infrastructure and revenue sharing.”
The education omnibus budget, Senate Bill 927, includes the following:
• A $65 per student increase in state aid payments for all schools;
• Restoration of the $175 per pupil reduction made to balance the FY 2020 budget;
• An additional $66 million for growing schools;
• $37 million for student mental health support;
• $3 million more for early childhood literacy; and
• Extension of the Schools of Choice deadline, allowing more students to attend the school that best fits their needs.
House Bill 5396 is the general omnibus budget. The bill increases local revenue sharing and fully funds the 2015 plan to help fix the state’s roads.
HB 5396 also includes:
• $20 million to ensure nursing homes have adequate personal protective equipment to protect staff and residents;
• $26 million for the Going Pro program to help train employees;
• $30 million for Michigan Reconnect to help people complete an associate degree or skills certificate;
• $15 million for the Pure Michigan tourism campaign;
• $35 million for the state’s rainy day fund; and
• $1.5 million for rural jobs and investments.
The budget bills now head to the governor for consideration. Michigan’s 2021 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
