FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 19, 2026
CONTACT: Adam Bitely, 202.689.9266, abitely@bellwetherpr.com
Tax plans threaten to gut funding for Michigan students
LANSING, Mich. – After a number of tax cuts were proposed in Lansing that would upend education funding throughout the state, Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity Executive Director Peter Spadafore issued the following statement in coordination with the Michigan Association of School Administrators, the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and the Michigan Association of School Boards:
“Both Governor Whitmer’s and Speaker Hall’s proposals to further erode tax dollars available to support essential services would blow massive holes in Michigan’s budget, and our students would pay the price. Schools are not a piggy bank to be raided for political tax cut talking points this fall.
“The K-12 budget has already been raided year after year to fund other priorities. Stripping away additional revenue streams would decimate resources for classrooms, educators, and the students who depend on them. Michigan families, students, and teachers are asked year after year to pretend that education is being strengthened while more and more resources are being pulled away from schools.
“Michigan’s future is only as strong as our investment in our students. If we want a competitive economy, stronger communities, and a workforce ready for tomorrow’s jobs, we must invest in education and not dismantle the very funding structure that supports it.
“Tax policy should strengthen Michigan, not sabotage it. Lawmakers must reject any proposal that threatens K-12 funding and instead commit to stable, sustainable investments in Michigan’s children. It’s time for serious, responsible tax policy, not reckless political games that rip billions from the state budget, destabilize classrooms, and undercut Michigan’s future for short-term political gain.”
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The Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity 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