FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025
CONTACT:
Adam Bitely, (202) 689-9266
abitely@bellwetherpr.com
House Budget Proposal Ignores Student Needs
LANSING, Mich. – Peter Spadafore, executive director of the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity (The Alliance), issued the following statement in response to the House FY 2025-2026 K-12 education budget released today:
“The House Republicans’ education budget proposal leaves behind the most vulnerable students in our state and underscores the urgent need for Michigan to prioritize true equity in funding for students with the greatest needs.
“While we’re encouraged to see the foundation allowance proposal reach $10,025, the highest of the three budgets this cycle, that’s unfortunately where the good news ends.
“The House plan holds at-risk funding flat, a functional cut when inflationary pressures are factored in. Even more concerning is the elimination of several targeted programs designed to address the unique needs of students across our state.
“The new categorical introduced by the House — which provides about $1,975 per pupil — might seem like a step forward. But it comes at the expense of targeted funding for student supports. Without any increase in the SFRC-recommended weights for students in poverty, English learners, or special education, this proposal fails to recognize the higher costs of educating students with the greatest needs.
“Worse yet, this budget proposal erases the MPSERS savings achieved last year and shifts nearly every dollar of the lottery money from the classroom to universities. This shortchanges K-12 education by robbing Peter to pay Paul, instead of making a real investment in our students’ future.
“We know that funding alone doesn’t close opportunity gaps, but it is the foundation for smaller class sizes, mental health supports, wraparound services, and other resources that help level the playing field. This proposal misses the mark by ignoring the fundamental reality that it costs more to educate economically disadvantaged students because of what poverty means in real terms. Our students need more than a flat increase; they need a commitment to funding equity.
“The Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity urges lawmakers to go back to the drawing board and craft a budget that truly invests in our most vulnerable students. Equity is not just about funding increases across the board; it’s about targeted, research-based funding that meets the unique needs of every child. We stand ready to work with our partners in the Legislature to deliver a final budget that lives up to Michigan’s promise of educational opportunity for all.”
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The Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity, formerly the Middle Cities Education Association, works to build an equitable foundation for education, where every student in Michigan, regardless of circumstance, is equipped to succeed after graduation. Learn more at mialliance.com.