FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

October 13, 2025 

Contact: [email protected] 

Gov. Whitmer’s Education Budget Continues Free School Meals for All, Saving Michigan Families an Average of Nearly $1,000 a Year 

Budget also includes historic per-pupil funding, pre-K, community college for all, addresses literacy crisis head-on, shores up educator pipeline 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the continuation of free school meals for all in the recently signed bipartisan fiscal year 2026 (FY26) school aid budget. Specifically, Senate Bill 166 will save Michigan families time and money, putting nearly $1,000 back in their pockets every single year. Overall, the FY26 Education Omnibus budget totals $24.1 billion, with $19.5 billion from the School Aid Fund. Other features of the FY26 budget include: 

• Record per-pupil funding of $10,050. 

• Boosts literacy supports, so every kid can read. 

• Funds free pre-K and community college for all to save Michiganders money. 

• Builds up campuses, making them better learn. 

• Delivers recruitment and retention bonuses to educators to put more money in their pockets.  

“Here in Michigan, we’re connecting our kids with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive whether they’re in pre-K or senior year,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to sign my seventh balanced, bipartisan budget that continues free school meals for all, so Michigan kids and families can focus on learning. We’ve included record per-student funding of more than $10,000 for every child in school, free pre-k and community college for all, and even more literacy support. We’re also supporting the teachers and schools who shape our kids by delivering attracting and retention bonuses, free training programs, and investments in our education campuses. Together, we’re setting our kids up for a brighter future that starts in Michigan.” 

“As a father to three young kids, I know how much free breakfast and lunch matters to working Michigan families,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Our seventh balanced, bipartisan budget continues free school meals for all 1.4 million public school students, saving families like mine almost $1,000 a year. It also boosts per-pupil funding, invests in before- and after-school programs, and helps more teachers get in front of a classroom. Governor Whitmer and I will keep Standing Tall for all Michigan kids.” 

"This process was not easy, but it was hard because of our care and conviction. Ultimately, we were able to work together to get it done and notch some big wins for Michigan kids, parents, teachers, and schools," said state Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Chair of the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee. "Today, we are not only celebrating the bipartisanship that resulted in a budget deal, but also the broader achievement of agreement on some major principles: that no kid should have to go to school hungry, that students and schools with greater needs deserve greater funding, and that school safety includes mental health and security." 

"While Michigan continues to be generous in supporting public education, we are still awaiting much needed progress in student performance,” said state Representative Tim Kelly (R-Clinton). “That said, I am pleased to support a school aid budget with an historic increase in the foundation allowance, one that fully funds all public school students regardless of the school they choose to attend. Restoring health and safety, plus food support for every child, including non-public students, an increase for at-risk kids and installing important guardrails in how funds are used and spent." 

“We also delivered record per-pupil funding of $10,050, including $321 million for school mental health and safety, expanded pre-K through the Great Start Readiness Program and a 25% increase for at-risk students,” said state Representative Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “While challenges remain, this budget reflects our shared responsibility to protect the well-being of every resident and to build a Michigan where all can live with dignity, opportunity and hope.” 

Free School Meals 

$248.1 million to continue providing free breakfast and lunch to Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students, helping students focus on learning and saving families nearly $1,000 per year.     

Record Per-Pupil Funding 

A record $593.5 million will support school operations through a 4.6% increase in base per-pupil funding—equating to an additional $442 per student, for a total of $10,050 per pupil. This increase will support Michigan students and educators by delivering more resources for classrooms such as books, pencils, paper, electronics, and more.  

Boosting Literacy Supports 

$122 million to support Governor Whitmer's mission to increase literacy rates across Michigan, so every kid can read. Since taking office, she has signed legislation implementing proven science of reading curriculums, increased literacy coaches in schools, and more.  

Pre-K 

The budget invests $657 million to continue expanding free pre-K to every 4-year-old in Michigan, regardless of family income. The budget also includes $25 million to continue the Strong Beginnings preschool program for 3-year-olds and $10 million to fund Great Start Readiness Program startup grants. 

Higher Education 

Millions of dollars are included in the FY26 budget to fund higher education in Michigan. Michigan’s 28 community colleges receive total of $375 million to deliver affordable associate degrees, transfer pathways, and skilled trades training across the state, helping more young people land good-paying jobs. The budget also invests $380 million for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, $122.3 million for the Tuition Incentive Program, and $42 million for the Michigan Reconnect Program. Each of these programs helps thousands of students get a bachelors, associates, or skills degree without breaking the bank.  

Building Up Campuses 

For K-12 schools, the budget delivers up to $200 million in school infrastructure funding to fix buildings and keep dollars in the classroom. Additionally, the budget includes millions of dollars for higher education. That includes $1.8 billion in total for university operations, providing base support for Michigan’s 15 public universities to keep tuition affordable, maintain high-quality academic programs, and help students graduate and find good-paying, in-demand jobs.     

Recruitment and Retention of Educators 

$203 million for an educator stipend program to recruit and retain teachers, putting money back in the pockets of educators.     

Other investments include: 

• $321 million in total funding to support student mental health and school safety needs.   

• $274 million to provide a 25% increase in funding to support academically at-risk students, English language learners, career and technical education students, and students in rural school districts.   

• $190.9 million to continue expanded support for special education services, a 9.4% increase in the state allocation from adjusted current law levels.   

• $142 million for career and technical education operations, including $70 million to support the expansion and creation of programs in underserved areas.    

• $125 million to continue support to districts for school transportation.   

• $75 million to support students and parents through before and after school programming.  

• $6.1 million for partnership district support, providing oversight and assistance to schools and districts.   

Stakeholder Quotes 

“The Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) commends Governor Whitmer and state lawmakers for coming together across party lines to champion higher education in Michigan,” said Daniel Hurley, CEO of MASU. “The budget invests directly in student success and strengthens the essential role our 15 public universities play in fueling innovation, driving economic growth, and preparing the workforce of tomorrow. It represents meaningful progress toward more stable, sustained funding for higher education and a stronger, more prosperous future for Michigan.” 

“Michigan’s community and tribal colleges applaud this budget for sustaining critical student scholarships like the Community College Guarantee, part of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and Michigan Reconnect,” said Brandy Johnson, President, Michigan Community College Association. “These investments keep higher education within reach for recent high school graduates and adult learners alike, ensuring more residents can earn the skills and credentials needed to succeed in today’s workforce and strengthen Michigan’s economy.”  

“This budget makes meaningful investments in Michigan’s students — from continued free meals to mental-health supports — and that’s worth celebrating,” said Tonya Whitehead, PhD, President, Michigan PTA. “As we move forward, we hope future budgets will arrive on time, with even greater transparency and family input. Public funds should continue to strengthen our public schools, where every child is welcome and every dollar makes a difference.” 

“We are deeply grateful for the Governor’s continued commitment to Michigan’s young people, and for the bipartisan support we achieved through the FY26 budget process,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, Executive Director, Michigan After School Partnership (MASP). This investment in before- and afterschool programs, as well as summer learning opportunities, reflects a clear understanding that learning doesn’t end when the school day does. By supporting school-time and out-of-school-time programs together, our state is giving every child—no matter their ZIP code—the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.” 

“As Michigan parents, we want to thank Gov. Whitmer and legislators from both parties for coming together and putting our children first,” said Jennifer Tuksal, a Rochester Hills parent and member of Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools. “By putting aside their political differences, our elected leaders ensured that no child in Michigan starts the school day hungry and every child gets the nutrition and energy they need to learn, thrive and succeed in the classroom and beyond.”   

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