The $12.78 billion Fiscal Year 2005-2006 K-12 budget, (HB 4887), passed the state House of Representatives in a 66-44 vote during a late-running session yesterday. Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) was one of eight Democrats to vote in favor of the bill, due to the added support it provides for low-funded schools. The bill includes the governor's suggested $175 per pupil increase, along with up to $25 extra per pupil for districts receiving less than $7,200.
"This version of the School Aid Budget falls shorter than I had hoped in eliminating the funding disparity between schools across the state. However, I support the effort to reduce that disparity," said Sheltrown. "Children's educational opportunities should not be compromised simply because they live in a less affluent school district."
In addition to action on the School Aid Bill, the K-16 Bill was discharged out of the Appropriations Committee for consideration on the House floor Wednesday. This bill, HB 4582, would guarantee minimum annual funding increases based on the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less, to K-12 schools, community colleges, and state universities.
No action was taken on a bill that would require the Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA) to reveal insurance claims information to school districts. It has been argued that this information would enable school district administrators to better consider bids from other insurance providers. This bill, HB 4274, may be brought up in session next week.