LANSING – State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) today announced that House Democrats have passed two budgets that increase investment in Michigan schools for the 2007-08 school year. The budgets will protect rural school systems, put an emphasis on early education and ensure that schools have the resources they need to give every Michigan student a high-quality education.
"By investing in our schools, we are investing in Michigan's future," Sheltrown said. "We need to prepare our students for the 21st century global economy to the best of our abilities. By creating a highly trained, highly educated workforce in Michigan, we will get our economy back on track."
House Democrats on Wednesday presented two budgets for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1: the School Aid Fund (SAF) and the Department of Education (DOE).
The SAF budget increased 2.3 percent, or $300.2 million, compared with the 2006-07 budget year. The budget increases the per-pupil funding by $100 and invests more money in early education programs to prepare students for academic success from an early age. The DOE budget increased by 7.95 percent, or $7.2 million, compared with the 2006-07 budget year.
Sheltrown noted that the budgets provide for a $16 million increase in declining enrollment payments, which will help shrinking schools in northern Michigan continue to offer students the tools they need to succeed. The budgets also include increased equity payments, ensuring that rural school systems are not overlooked in favor of larger districts. Sheltrown pointed out that Houghton Lake Community Schools in Roscommon County will receive an additional $757,588 this year, while Oscoda Area Schools in Iosco County will get an additional $612,593.
"Every Michigan resident deserves a quality education, whether they live in Tawas or Royal Oak," Sheltrown said. "We must act quickly and build a workforce in Michigan that is second to none. By strengthening our schools, we will attract the good-paying jobs of the future."