Comment: $34M in local funding cuts
undermine Michigan's educational future

As many Michigan citizens face difficult budget decisions this year, so does state government. Many of my constituents have contacted me in support of our public schools in this challenging budget year. It’s not only what most concerns people in our community; it’s what most concerns people in Michigan.

In October, the legislature passed a K-12 budget that cuts per pupil spending by $165. On October 22, those numbers became even higher when Governor Granholm issued an additional cut of $127 per pupil that will take effect later this month unless the Legislature restores the money, through cuts to other programs or through tax increases.

Additionally, Governor Granholm has issued a line-item veto that eliminates 20j “hold harmless” funding, hitting school districts that the state promised would not lose money when Proposal A passed.

In my Senate district alone, cuts to schools and schools districts totals nearly $34 million: $25 million in Detroit, $4.1 million in the Grosse Pointes, $3 million to charter schools, $830,000 in Hamtramck, $750,000 in Harper Woods, and $700,000 in Highland Park.

If you’ve contacted me before about funding to schools, you’ve probably received a letter stating that I firmly believe that the most important thing the state of Michigan does is educate our young people and I do not want to see funding to any educational programs cut.

That’s my standard response to pleas to support school funding, but it’s my standard response for a reason – it’s the truth.

The most important thing the State of Michigan does is educate our young people.

We can’t balance a budget by putting our children’s future at risk.

Preparing our children for a lifetime of academic and economic success must begin early. Our students need this education in order to succeed later in college and the job market.

These cuts are unconscionable at any time, and particularly now when we are trying to create a new economy and prepare our young students for the future.

We have very rigorous high school requirements, and we have revamped what is taught in the lower grades to prepare students for high school. Our kids will have trouble meeting these standards if we cut funding and schools are forced to cut programs or lay-off teachers.

Cutting funding to our schools is not going to help us attract new businesses to our state or keep our workers here in Michigan.

If I sound frustrated, it’s because I am. We can, we must, find a better way. I will continue working for the restoration of these funds, and for the future of our schools.  

Senator Scott represents the 2nd Senate District, which includes areas of Detroit and the cities of Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park and all of the Grosse Pointes. She serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Visit her online.

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