State Representative Tim Bledsoe (Grosse Pointe) works on the House Floor on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009. Bledsoe introduced a plan to restore $52 million in education funding to 39 schools across the state, including $391,000 to Harper Woods Community Schools and $1.6 million to Grosse Pointe Public Schools.
LANSING – A plan introduced today in the Michigan House of Representatives will restore $52 million in education funding to schools across the state. Lawmakers warned deep cuts to Michigan's schools go too far and that the Legislature must work together to protect our children's and state's future.
"Our children's education is too important to let it get sideswiped by political games that are putting Michigan's schools at risk," said State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville), sponsor of the plan. "The single most important investment we will ever make is in our children. Restoring this funding will renew our commitment to our children and their future."
As part of an ongoing budget dispute between Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) and the Governor, $52 million was recently cut from Michigan's 20j schools. Those cuts come on top of the $165 per-pupil cuts already included in the School Aid Budget.
"While the budget process is difficult, our children should not be used as political pawns in the battle between Lansing politicians," said State Representative Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Pointe). "Their education should not be held hostage. When children are involved, playing politics has gone too far."
The plan will restore funding to 39 districts across the state, including $2.2 million to Northville Public Schools; to the $4.7 million Walled Lake Consolidated School District; $1.7 million to the West Bloomfield School District; $624,000 to the Bloomfield Hills School District; $952,000 to the Birmingham City School District; $2.2 million to the Farmington Public School District; $391,000 to Harper Woods Community Schools; and $1.6 million to Grosse Pointe Public Schools.
"A top-notch education is imperative for our children to be able to compete for 21st century jobs," said State Representative Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield). "While we need to cut the budget, we must do it the right way. Slashing education is not the way to balance the budget or turn our economy around. I call on all members of the Legislature and the Governor to support this important plan and restore this vital funding for our schools."