Dear Friend,

Our educators are the foundation to a high-quality public education that Michiganders rely on to build a great life. That?s why, since taking office, I have made it a priority to have their backs.

We?ve made historic, bipartisan investments in education. We closed the funding gap between schools, expanded mental health resources, bolstered school safety, and upgraded classrooms while lowering class sizes so each student gets more attention. We put more resources into strengthening special education, supporting at-risk students, and assisting English language learners. We delivered free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students?saving parents $850 a year on groceries.

Recruiting and retaining educators is vital to our children?s success. The MI Future Educator Program offers $10,000 scholarships to 2,500 future educators annually, as well as $9,600 stipends a semester for student teachers.? We?re bolstering the workforce by supporting teachers in training with We bolstered Grow-Your-Own programs that are helping staff in school districts across the state get in front of a classroom.? I signed legislation to recruit and retain skilled educators by allowing the state to accept out-of-state teaching certifications, to help retired teachers get back to work while receiving retirement benefits, and to invest millions to recruit and retain educators in rural areas.

Earlier this year, I delivered my sixth executive budget recommendation?a balanced, fiscally responsible proposal that continues these record investments in education. Let?s get it done so everyone can ?make it? in Michigan.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor