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Dear Friend,
Earlier this summer, I signed my fifth bipartisan budget that included several investments to improve student outcomes and better the classroom experience.
One of the most important pieces of the budget was free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan. I am so proud that we got this done, becoming just the 7th state in the nation to do so. Free school meals will save families at least $850 a year per child and valuable time every morning?which every parent knows are hectic, especially on a school day.
School meals also improve academic outcomes. Students can?t learn on an empty stomach and research shows that good nutrition leads to stronger classroom results. Michigan students will benefit from eating fresh, Michigan-made produce, which also benefits our local farmers.
As we head back to school, we also need to support the folks who cook, prepare, and serve our kids meals every day?the nutrition professionals who hard in our schools. We must have their backs, raise their pay, and grow their ranks. I am proud that the record, bipartisan education budget also includes resources to help schools hire, train, and recruit staff.
A high-quality education puts kids on the path toward a bright future. It will help them earn a good-paying job and help us build stronger communities across the state, all while keeping more money in parents? pockets. Let?s keep working together to set our students up for success!
Sincerely,?
Gretchen Whitmer?
Governor?
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