Article Summary –
Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has presented her budget for fiscal year 2025, which includes funding for universal prekindergarten and free community college. The proposed budget totals $80.7 billion, with specific funding allocated for education initiatives such as $159 million for free pre-K education, $30 million for a scholarship for high school graduates to attend community college tuition-free, and a 2.5% increase in base per-pupil K-12 funding. The budget also includes $300 million for student mental health and school safety, $251 million for student assistance, $200 million for free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students, as well as financial provisions for other areas such as state retirement system debt and child care facility inspections.
Gretchen Whitmer Unveils Michigan Budget for 2025
Michigan’s Democratic Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, has presented her budget for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. The budget, totalling $80.7 billion, includes funding for universal prekindergarten and free community college initiatives. Whitmer and Budget Director Jen Flood presented the proposed budget to a joint session of the state House and Senate appropriations committees.
The 2025 budget is slightly less than last year’s, including a $14.3 billion general fund and a $19 billion school aid budget. Whitmer states this fiscally responsible budget builds on historic investments since she took office and focuses on making a real difference in people’s lives.
Details of the Proposed Budget and Its Impact
Whitmer is proposing $159 million for expanding free pre-K to all 4-year-olds in Michigan, and $30 million to increase the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for free community college tuition for two years for high school graduates. This would save families an estimated $10,000 annually for pre-K and $4,820 in tuition for 18,000 students each year.
A continuation of the Michigan Reconnect program is also in the budget, with an added $62 million. This program provides adults over 25 the chance to attend community college tuition-free. Furthermore, the budget proposes a 2.5% increase in per-pupil K-12 funding, equating to an additional $241 per student. If passed, the state would allocate $9,849 per student in the 2025 fiscal year.
Additional Highlights of the 2025 Budget
Additional budget items include $300 million for student mental health and school safety, $251 million for student assistance such as literacy grants and literacy coaches, and $200 million to maintain free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students.
Outside education, the budget plans to add $100 million to the state’s budget reserve funds, bringing its balance to over $2.2 billion. It also aims to pay off $670 million in state retirement system debt early and put $10 million in the state’s Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund. Finally, it proposes to allocate $4.8 million to increase child care facility inspections.
Budget Director Flood expressed confidence in the budget, stating, “The Governor’s budget will help kids learn, lower costs, and spark investment and create new jobs in our state. I look forward to working with our legislative partners to make Michigan the best state to live, work, raise a family, and care for those we love.”
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