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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*???

March 1, 2024??

Contact: [email protected]??

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*Governor Whitmer Proclaims March 2024 as March is Reading Month*?

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*LANSING, Mich.* ? Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared March as Reading Month in Michigan. The governor highlighted her administration?s focus on education and literacy in her fiscal year executive budget recommendation.??

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?This March marks a celebration of reading's transformative power," said *Governor Whitmer*. "Reading is important, and so is our commitment to investing in education, as reflected in the Michigan Guarantee I proposed for this year's budget, ensuring every Michigander has access to quality education from pre-K through community college. As we declare March as Reading Month, we're challenging everyone in Michigan to embrace the joys of reading, whether it's exploring new worlds or revisiting beloved tales. This initiative highlights our dedication to literacy and education, aiming to foster a lifelong love of reading."?

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*The Michigan Guarantee*?

In her 2024 State of the State Address, the governor laid out her vision to improve education in Michigan. The governor proposed the Michigan Guarantee, so every Michigander can have access to quality education from pre-K through community college. Free pre-K saves families an average of $10,000 a year and helps students build a solid academic foundation for long-term success, improving literacy rates and closing achievement gaps. The governor also wants to make the first two years of community college tuition-free for every high school graduate. This will save students an average of $4,000 as they earn an associate?s degree or skills certificate at a community college, helping them land a better-paying, high-skill job in a career field they are passionate about.?

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*Governor Whitmer?s Record, Bipartisan Investments in Education and Literacy*?

In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed a historic, bipartisan education budget that made the highest per-student investment in Michigan history. The budget made record investments in mental health and school safety, individualized tutoring and academic support through the MI Kids Back on Track Program, and secured funds to retain and develop existing teachers through mentoring programs. The budget also delivered on free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students and expanded free pre-K to 5,600 four-year-olds for this academic year. The governor also set the Sixty by 30 Goal to have at least 60% of Michiganders earn a degree or skill certificate by 2030 and created the Office of Sixty by 30 to lead the state?s effort. Governor Whitmer also lowered the age of Michigan Reconnect from 25 to 21, offering Michigander's tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate in high-demand careers.?

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In governor's budget last year, $25.5 million was invested to support students in achieving their full academic potential, with funds directed towards expanding literacy grants and literacy coaches. Building on this commitment, the current budget proposal significantly increases this investment to $251.2 million, maintaining the focus on literacy grants and coaches. That?s a tenfold increase from the previous year's investment!?

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*March is Reading Month Proclamation*??

This March, reading month offers Michiganders the opportunity to immerse themselves in the joy of reading. Teachers and parents are invited to rekindle their commitment to helping kids and teens dive into a wide range of books regularly. The goal is to allow young readers to see their own stories and understand others through the magic of literature.??

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To view the full proclamation, click here [ [link removed] ].?

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