LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a narrow 56-53 vote, the Michigan House passed a $21.9 billion school aid budget for the 2025 to 2026 school year — a proposal that boosts per-student funding to historic levels while drawing sharp criticism for cutting universal school meals.

Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw Township) introduced the budget on June 5, and the House passed it yesterday. The budget will move on to the Democrat-controlled Senate for further review. Both chambers must pass the final budget by July 1.

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“This budget represents a major shift in how we approach education in Michigan,” Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township) said in a press release. “We’re building a stronger model by putting trust where it belongs — in the hands of local school boards, parents, and educators who know their communities best. Every district is different, and the people closest to the students should be the ones making the decisions.”

What’s in the $21.9 billion budget?

  • An increase in the state’s per-student allowance from $9,608 to $12,000 — the highest level in Michigan history.
  • More than $300 million to fund competitive grants that shrink class sizes, boost early reading success, and improve school infrastructure.
  • Critical school safety and mental health funding that will encourage every school district to have a school resource officer.
  • A $200 million cut to the free breakfast and lunch program.

The House’s $21.9 billion K-12 budget is $1.1 billion more than the current budget, and higher than both the governor’s recommendation and the K-12 budget passed by the Senate, according to Bollin.

“This is a transformational budget that puts students first by taking the decision-making away from Lansing bureaucrats and empowering local educators and local school boards to make decisions about what’s best for local students,” Bollin said. “It’s a step forward for Michigan families, and I’m proud of all the hard work that’s gone into it.”

But many Democrats are having qualms over the GOP’s budget proposal.

Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley) tweeted her thoughts on X: “The House Republican plan for our schools fails our kids. They abandon statewide school programs, like universal meals and mental health support, instead rushing through a flashy, overly simplistic funding model that will decimate districts with the greatest need.”