Article Summary –
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a historic fiscal year 2025 education budget that includes raises for educators, free school meals, and the “Michigan Guarantee,” offering free education from prekindergarten through two years of community college. The budget allocates $130 million for universal pre-K, $30 million to expand the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and continues funding free school meals for all children. Additionally, the Michigan Reconnect program provides free community college access to adults over 21, emphasizing the state’s commitment to investing in education and future economic prosperity.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the fiscal year 2025 education budget on July 23, making historic investments in students statewide.
The budget includes raises for educators, continues the state’s free school meals program, and introduces the “Michigan Guarantee,” offering free education from pre-K through two years of community college for young Michiganders.
“This balanced education budget — my sixth — makes record-breaking investments to support our students, invest in our schools, and empower our educators,” Whitmer said in a press release. “With access to free pre-K for all, record funding for students, free school meals, on-campus mental health resources, and tuition-free community college for every high school graduate, this budget will improve outcomes, lower costs, and strengthen our education system.”
The budget allocates $130 million to ensure all 4-year-olds in Michigan can attend pre-K and $30 million to expand the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which covers community college tuition for new high school graduates.
“This budget makes evident investments in our kids and Michigan’s future,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director for higher education at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.
This is the second annual budget to fund free school meals for all children, regardless of family income. Federal funds initially supported free school meals during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ensuring every child is fed at school allows them to focus fully on learning,” Richard said. “We at MiLEAP are proud to see the governor continue to lead on this.”
Whitmer first announced her “PreK for all” plan during her State of the State address earlier this year. It builds on the state-funded Great Start Readiness Program, which has provided pre-K to low-income 4-year-olds since the 1980s.
Expanding pre-K to all Michigan families, regardless of income, significantly broadens educational opportunities, said Richard. “Kids need the biggest jumpstart they can get. Early educational opportunities are crucial for every Michigander’s path to prosperity.”
Investing in teens and young adults is also essential, said Richard. “After high school, the economy demands further education. Now, every high school graduate in Michigan can attend community college tuition-free. This investment benefits students, educators, and our communities.”
Free community college isn’t limited to recent high school graduates. The Michigan Reconnect program funds community college for Michiganders out of high school for some time. Young adults over 21 can apply until Nov. 15; afterward, it will be available to those 25 or older.
“We’re excited to see continued investment in the Reconnect program,” Richard said. “Many Reconnect graduates stay and build their careers in Michigan, helping our economy thrive by keeping talent in the state.”
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