On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta unpack Michigan’s new education budget. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the new budget Monday but some in the K-12 community say the “record-breaking” investment might not be the win lawmakers are claiming.
Robert McCann, Executive Director of the K-12 Alliance, a coalition representing school superintendents across the state, says while the new budget includes more than $10,000 in per-pupil funding - a historic high - it still falls short of what schools need to meet rising costs and address student learning losses.
“It’s a record, sure,” McCann says, “but it’s still thousands behind where we should be… and in real terms, some schools are going to see less money in the classroom this year than last.”
According to McCann, major concerns are also growing about the stability of school funding in Michigan into the future. The state continues to divert money from the School Aid Fund — $1.35 billion this year — to cover non-education expenses like road repairs. That, combined with shifting retirement costs from the state to local districts, means this year’s budget isn’t all its made up to be.
Meanwhile, in Washington, the federal shutdown enters its third week
Then, Clark and Pluta turn to D.C., where, after another vote in the U.S. Senate yesterday, the federal government shutdown continues into its third week. Melissa Nann Burke, The Detroit News’ Washington Bureau Chief, joins the show to explain where Michigan’s congressional delegation stands.
With both parties entrenched, she describes the atmosphere as “Groundhog Day” at the Capitol.
Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!
Join Michigan Public’s It's Just Politics team Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta, as they return to Grand Rapids for our next Issues & Ale. They'll be joined by a panel of guests to dig into what’s happening at the state capitol and take your questions about Michigan politics.
Admission is free, but space is limited, so advance registration is needed. You can attend in person or watch it online.
Issues and Ale is an event series from Michigan Public designed to engage people in conversations about important issues facing Michigan in an informal atmosphere. Your questions are always welcome.
