Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills to Support Michigan Students and Schools, Investing in Literacy Education, School Safety and Mental Health Programs, and More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2024

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Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills to Support Michigan Students and Schools, Investing in Literacy Education, School Safety and Mental Health Programs, and More

These commonsense, bipartisan bills bolster Governor Whitmer's commitment to Michigan's students, schools, and educators by building on the historic investments made in the FY25 Budget.

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Whitmer signed three bills that build on the most recent budget's historic investments in Michigan's students, schools, and teachers. These bills will put money back in the pockets of Michiganders, grant greater financial flexibility to our schools, and ensure all students get the support they need in the classroom, making Michigan a state where anyone can live, work, and invest.

"These commonsense, bipartisan bills will help us build a brighter future for Michigan by making key investments in our schools, students, and teachers," said Governor Whitmer. "From investing $125 million more in our students and schools to implementing proven science of reading strategies that will improve literacy, I'm committed to making a real difference in people's lives. That's why I'm proud to sign these three bills into law, giving our schools, students, and teachers the flexibility they need."

House Bill 5503, sponsored by state Representative Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), adds $125 million in School Aid Fund money for Fiscal Year 2025, supporting per-pupil school safety and mental health in school districts across the state. The bill also secures one million dollars to support a tip line for students to anonymously report improperly stored firearms that were accessible to a minor. By investing in school safety, this commonsense legislation will keep our kids safer and make our communities stronger.

"As a teacher-turned-legislator, I understand firsthand how important it is to make the necessary investments to ensure our schools have the resources they need for success. Michigan Democrats are taking the lead in transforming our schools statewide," said state Representative Regina Weiss, chair of House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Education. "This substantial investment will strengthen our schools and allow them to focus on meeting the unique needs of their students and communities. Strong schools support healthy kids, and Michigan Democrats will always put our kids first."

Senate Bills 567 and 568, sponsored by state Senators Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Danya Polehanki (D-Livonia), implements proven "Science of Reading" strategies in public schools' curricula to increase literacy for Michigan's students. The bill also ensures all Michigan schools test for and support students with dyslexia. This commonsense piece of legislation ensures Michigan students get the help they need to succeed in schools and takes the burden of expensive testing and tutoring off of parents, expanding access to education and putting money back in Michiganders' pockets. By supporting students from an early age, Michigan will continue to be a state where folks want to raise their families.

"These bills improve literacy by weaving the science of reading into our assessments, our teaching methods, and through teacher training," said state Senator Jeff Irwin. "By focusing on the foundational skills of literacy and emphasizing decoding skills in early grades, we can help thousands of students with characteristics of dyslexia from falling through the cracks."

"Far too many Michigan students struggling with dyslexia have gone under the radar for far too long - and these students deserve so much better," said state Senator Dayna Polehanki. "I'm thrilled that our bipartisan legislation to implement dyslexia screening and intervention in our schools has finally been signed into law. As a former educator, I know that this is a commonsense solution that will eliminate barriers to literacy and position our youth for successful futures."

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