The question of school funding is on everyone's mind during the COVID-19 pandemic. | stock photo
The question of school funding is on everyone's mind during the COVID-19 pandemic. | stock photo
Under a bipartisan bill, Michigan will protect funding for local governments and schools, said Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, according to Michigan House Republicans.
“While significant challenges remain, I am pleased to say this agreement protects funding for our students and for the local governments all Michigan families rely upon for important public services,” Bollin told Michigan House Republicans. “These are the priorities I continue to fight for because I know they are shared by residents of Livingston County and our entire state."
Bollin said that teachers and students need to be able to continue their work, which is dependent on state funds.
Rep. Ann Bollin
| Michigan House Republicans
"Our local governments must be able to continue supporting their communities -- as a former township clerk, I know how important these services are to daily life in Michigan," she said, according to Michigan House Republicans.
To help schools and local governments with funding, Michigan is using funds from federal COVID-19 relief money and from state savings, which will put $512 million back into schools, $200 million will go to colleges and universities, and local governments will receive $150 million.
Other budget shortfalls will receive help from Michigan's rainy day fund, which will contribute $350 million to the state's budget, according to Michigan House Republicans.
Although the state is using money to help remedy the budget shortfall, cuts will still have to be made in order to make ends meet. Approximately $490 million will have to be cut from the budget in addition to spending freezes and layoffs.
“Although our work is far from over, this is a positive step for the current budget year,” Bollin told Michigan House Republicans.
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