Last week, I was at an elementary school in Flint to celebrate my seventh balanced, bipartisan education budget that continues free school m





*October 22, 2025*



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Dear Friend,

Last week, I was at an elementary school in Flint to celebrate my seventh balanced, bipartisan education budget [ [link removed] ] that continues free school meals for all *1.4 million* public school students across Michigan. Free school meals are a game changer for kids and busy families. They make sure no child has to learn on an empty stomach and save parents time in the morning while also saving them nearly *$1,000* a year, per kid, on groceries. I’m proud we got it done.

Our new budget also delivers 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 to help every child read at or above grade level. We’re also supporting the teachers and schools who shape our kids by delivering attracting and retention bonuses, continuing successful free training programs, and upgrading our campuses.

We all want to set every child in Michigan up for a bright future. We want them to graduate, find a great job, and live a good life right here in Michigan. That’s why I was proud to sign this bipartisan budget that will help our kids thrive from the moment they walk into pre-K to the day they cross the stage at graduation.

Together, we got it done.

Check out more on our education budget below!

Sincerely,

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Gretchen Whitmer

Governor 

Biggest Per-student Investment in Michigan’s History

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I’m proud that this year’s budget increases funding by *$442* per student, for a grand total of *$10,050* per kid. 

That’s more resources for schools to reduce class sizes, buy new textbooks, and invest in the latest technology and equipment. We’re also funding before and after school programming, school safety, and mental health, so kids have a safe place to make friends and do homework while their parents are at work and at-risk students can get help when they need it. In addition, this budget makes key investments in school infrastructure funding to fix buildings and keep dollars in the classroom.

Free Breakfast and Lunch for All 1.4 million Public School Students

This budget continues feeding all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch, which we began last school year, making sure no child has to learn on an empty stomach.

Free breakfast and lunch help kids focus, teachers teach and saves parents time in the mornings and around $1,000 every year, per kid. That’s money back in their pockets for utilities, rent, and groceries.

Boosting Literacy Supports, So Every Kid Can Read

Since taking office, I have signed legislation implementing proven science of reading curriculums, increased literacy coaches in schools, and more. With this budget we’re making sure every Michigan student is a strong reader by investing in proven strategies like:


* Training and coaching for teachers,
* Upgrading curriculum in more classrooms,
* And providing extra support for kids who need it most.

Supporting Teachers 

This budget delivers bonuses to educators and keeps funding programs to recruit and retain more teachers.

We all want every school to be able to hire, train, and retain a great teacher for every classroom, in every grade. And we want to support hardworking educators while ensuring every kid gets the attention they need in class. This budget gets it done.

Pre-K

The budget continues expanding free pre-K to every 4-year-old in Michigan, regardless of family income.

Pre-K is an important foundation that puts kids on track for a brighter future. Students who attend pre-k are more likely to read above their grade level, earn a diploma, and get a job. But too often, parents can’t afford it. So, here in Michigan, we made it free. I’m proud that this year’s budget continues pe-K for All.  We’ve already doubled enrollment from 2024 with 56% of Michigan’s four-year-olds in free pre-K. This year’s budget will set up every child for a lifetime of success while saving parents more than $14,000 a year. 

Free Community College – Lowering the Cost of Higher Education 

This budget makes sure every single Michigan high school graduate can earn a skill certificate or degree at their local community college, tuition-free, or a four-year for a reduced cost. This budget goes further to lower the costs of higher education and expand opportunities for Michiganders by:


* Continuing the Michigan Guarantee, which has already helped 20,000 students earn their associate’s degree while saving $2,300.
* Continuing the Michigan Achievement Scholarship which has helped over 42,000 students save thousands – up to $27,500 over 5 year– as they earn their undergraduate degrees.
* Helping adults go back to school without breaking the bank with Michigan Reconnect which has helped 12,000 25 and up earn an associate’s degree or skills certificate tuition-free.
* Funding career and technical education, so more students can explore hands-on careers in trades like plumbing, welding, and more.
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