This amendment would restore the money recommended by the Governor for school infrastructure projects. It’s no secret that Michigan has failed to invest in infrastructure at levels of government, and our schools are no different. That’s why I was proud to see the Governor set up a school infrastructure fund with a $1 billion up-front investment with an additional $170 million per year until 2029. This investment will offset a large portion of the infrastructure costs for districts and provide a better learning environment for our students. It’s a brilliant way to ensure there’s money available for these schools to dig into on a rainy day and I urge you to support this amendment.
Senator Bayer’s third statement is as follows:
Thank you for taking up this amendment that has so very much meaning in my district—actually for the state. This amendment would provide funding for Oxford Schools as they go through the recovery from the terrible, terrible tragedy last November. It’s going to help the school system to pay for critical mental health services, helping to pay for repairs in the building, changes that need to happen to really make it possible for those kids to be able to go back and walk through those hallways and go back to school. Simple things too, like a system that would actually make it possible for students and teachers who are hard of hearing to be able to hear the alarms. Very simple safety protocols, new improvements all over the system; just even knowing that there is the support of this institution of the state for the school system, for the families, for the students, it means everything to them and everything to me. Thank you for this moment, and I urge you to vote “yes” on this amendment.
Senator Johnson’s statement is as follows:
I rise in support of this amendment that will provide additional funding to the Oxford School District. I’ve been proud to represent Oakland County for many years and my heart, like all of yours, was broken seeing the impact of the horrific tragedy that took place at Oxford High School. Sadly, a constituent from my district—14-year-old Hana St. Juliana—was among those who lost their lives that day. Mr. President, nothing we can do here can turn back the clock, but we can provide the school and community with the resources they need to support the students, teachers, staff, and families affected by this tragedy. That is what this amendment before us does. I urge a “yes” vote.
Senator Schmidt’s statement is as follows:
I’d like to take a moment to say thank you the Senate Fiscal staff, the staff here on my side, the staff of my friendly colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and my vice chairs in putting together what I think is a very good first start as we’ve seen a number of amendments, a number of other discussions, but a very good start in what is now, again—second year in a row—record funding. Actually, a continuation of record funding for K-12. We see a foundation increase of $450 per student. We’re seeing $500 million to pay off part of bonded indebtedness to help districts consolidate. We see increased funding for school-based health clinics which make a big difference, not only in physical health but in the mental health of our students. We’ve included more money for the student mental health apprenticeship program to make sure not only as we start to look at keeping teachers in retention and recruitment, but also for the mental health and the counseling people. We’ve seen increases in phonics and letters—that program. Overall, again a record-setting budget for K-12 education. And what’s even more encouraging is that we’ll have further discussions between the House, the Senate, and the Governor’s office that will result in more increased spending for Michigan students. So with that, I ask that my colleagues please vote “yes” on this bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 833, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: