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Senate Democrats urge House GOP to end impasse, citing risks to free meals, mental health programs, and class sizes.
Senate Democrats Press House Republicans to End Education Budget Stalemate
LANSING — Michigan Senate Democrats on Wednesday renewed calls for House Republicans to finalize the state’s education budget, warning that continued inaction threatens resources for students, teachers, and schools statewide as the academic year approaches.
The impasse centers on the House’s failure to act on a budget proposal the Senate passed months ago. That plan includes investments in free school meals, mental health and safety initiatives, and smaller class sizes.
“Schools all over the state have been forced into an impossible position and are scrambling to plan for the upcoming year — all because of the inaction and implacability of one man, Republican Speaker Matt Hall,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “Senate Democrats passed a responsible education budget months ago — without compromising on the priorities that matter to our schools — and we’ll continue showing up to the negotiating table in good faith to deliver an education budget that builds up our public school system, not tears it down.”
Missed Deadline Adds Uncertainty for Schools
Under state law, Michigan’s fiscal year budget is due by July 1 for schools to plan staffing, programs, and services. With the deadline long past, districts face uncertainty over funding levels. Senate Democrats said the delay risks cutting or scaling back essential programs just as classes resume.
Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), chair of the Senate Appropriations Pre-K-12 Subcommittee, said that every day without a budget increases the risk of harm. “We cannot cut our way to student success, and we cannot build strong schools on shaky budgets,” he said. “The Senate is ready to negotiate, but we will not accept a deal that shifts school dollars away from kids, risks our fiscal stability, or plays politics with the classroom.”
Potential Cuts Could Affect Meals, Safety, and Class Sizes
The Senate-passed education budget allocates funding to preserve free breakfast and lunch for all students, expand school safety programs, and maintain smaller class sizes aimed at improving learning outcomes.
“If Republicans continue to stall, Michigan students will continue to lose access to the essential resources they need, and some will go hungry,” said Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), chair of the Senate Education Committee. “It’s time for Speaker Hall and the rest of the House Republicans to set aside the political games and finally put our students and families first.”
Democrats Call for Immediate Negotiations
Senate Democrats urged Speaker Hall to let House Republicans enter budget talks without preconditions. They argue that the state’s fiscal position supports the proposed investments without jeopardizing long-term stability.
“The chaos and uncertainty of starting the school year without knowing how the state funding will look is damaging to our schools,” said Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). “I hope that our Republican House colleagues will act quickly to pass a budget that includes critical investments in literacy, school safety, and smaller class sizes.”
Related Coverage
- “Michigan Legislature Misses Education Budget Deadline, Leaving Schools in Limbo” – Detroit Free Press
- “Free School Meals Among Key Issues in Budget Negotiations” – MLive
- “Analysis: What the Senate’s Budget Proposal Means for Michigan Schools” – Bridge Michigan
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