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Dear Friend,?

March is an exciting month, not just because spring is around the corner but also because it?s a month dedicated to recognizing the impact of education. We celebrate the hard work of school nutrition professionals [ [link removed] ] and the importance of reading [ [link removed] ] for people of all ages.

Throughout my time as Governor, investing in Michigan?s students, teachers, and schools has been a priority, and this year?s budget recommendation will keep us moving forward. We?re already seeing the impact of our record-breaking bipartisan investments in education over the past few years. Michigan?s graduation rate [ [link removed] ] is at the second highest-level it has ever been, with the highest happening just a few years ago. Every child in Michigan deserves a high-quality, public education from pre-K through postsecondary, and I?ll keep working to support our students.?

prek

Last month, I proposed my sixth balanced executive budget recommendation. It builds on our record investments and will deliver what I?m calling ?The Michigan Guarantee,? a plan to offer every Michigan child a free public education from pre-K through community college. Check out the details below.

Sincerely,

G signature

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

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Pre-K for all Michiganders

Last year, I signed a budget that put Michigan on a path towards Pre-K for All. This year?s budget proposal delivers on that goal?pre-K for every single 4-year-old in Michigan?2 years ahead of schedule. Pre-K for All saves families $10,000 a year and helps every child build a solid foundation for long-term academic success. We?re proposing an investment of nearly $159 million to complete this expansion, which will be used to:


* Serve an estimated 6,800 additional children.
* Increase the full day per child allocations to $10,342.
* Open new classrooms in underserved areas; and
* Continue higher payments for student transportation.

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Helping Kids Learn - K-12 Education

Our record investments in public schools have had major impacts on student performance and well-being. For this year?s budget, let?s build on that momentum. I propose that we continue to invest nearly $18 billion that will be used to:


* Support school operations through a 2.5% increase in base per-pupil funding that equates to an additional $241 per student, for a total of $9,849 per pupil.
* A total increase in per-pupil funding of 25% since taking office.

* Continue historic investments for student mental health?and school safety needs.
* Help students reach their full academic potential through various measures, including, but not limited to, the continuation of payments for literacy grants and literacy coaches.
* Continue providing universally free breakfast and lunch to Michigan?s 1.4 million public school students, helping students focus on learning and saving families $850 per year.
* Tutoring through the MI Kids Back on Track program and continuing expanded learning opportunities through before- and after-school programs.
* Recognize the crucial role that high-quality teachers play in students? success.
* Continue?supporting the MI Future Educator Program, a tuition-free?program?that helps college students become certified teachers and provides stipend payments to student teachers.
* Build funds?to?retain?and develop existing teachers through mentorship programs.

* Continue expanded support for special-education students ? a 12% increase in the state allocation from adjusted current-law levels.
* Provide a 5% increase in funding to support academically at-risk students, English language learners, career and technical education students, and students in rural school districts.
* Continue reimbursements to?districts for transportation costs, helping ease the disproportionate?financial impact some districts?face?freeing up?dollars for the classroom; and
* Fund?additional?supports for vocational education and career and technical education, including equipment upgrades and a new pilot program to connect high schoolers with key local industries to support pathways to certifications, credentials, and careers.







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