Statement: EdTrust-Midwest Lauds Policymakers for Investments in Students with the Greatest Needs

Today, the legislature proposed a school aid budget that increases funding for schools, including raising the foundation allowance by 4.6% to $10,050 per student. Importantly, the budget invests more dollars for students from low-income backgrounds by increasing the Opportunity Index by 25 percent, representing a $258.7 million increase, bringing the total to $1.29 billion. The Opportunity Index provides needed additional support for public school students living in school districts with high concentrations of poverty.

The budget also includes a 25 percent increase for English Learners, a group that has long been underserved. This represents just over a $12.5 million increase, bringing the total to $62.7 million.

The following statement can be attributed to Jennifer Mrozowski, senior director of strategic communications and external relations for EdTrust-Midwest.

“Amid an extremely tough budget cycle and tremendous federal uncertainty for our nation’s public schools, Michigan policymakers took an important step today by investing more in students who have long been underserved.

“The FY 26 school aid budget proposal recognizes that all students deserve access to an excellent public education, but that some students need more support to reach their full potential.

“The proposed increases for students from low-income backgrounds and English Learners build upon the tremendous work of our state leaders over the last two years to create a fair school funding system that meets the needs of all students. Sen. Camilleri and Rep. Kelly deserve significant credit for putting politics aside and focusing on the needs of students. There’s more work to do to ensure opportunity for all students, but today’s school aid budget represents a major victory for Michigan’s students with the greatest needs and Michigan’s future.”

If passed by the legislature, the budget would then go to the governor for her signature.