LANSING – Following the Governor's announcement that she would cut an additional $212 million in funding for Michigan schools, State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland), founder of the bipartisan House School Equity Caucus, slammed the unequal cuts that will disproportionately affect schools in Northwest Michigan.
"Any cut to education is a bad cut," Scripps said. "But the way that these cuts were carried out will hurt schools in Northwest Michigan and those receiving the very least from the state the most. At a time we're looking to bring new businesses and jobs to Michigan, we must not shortchange our kids' ability to get a quality education and make a better life for themselves."
On Thursday, the Governor announced $212 million in cuts to the School Aid Fund, a proration of $127 per-pupil due to declining revenues. The Legislature recently passed a School Aid budget that included cuts of $165 per-pupil, which Scripps voted against.
Because the cuts were done on a per-pupil basis, schools that receive less money from the state will receive a higher percentage cut from their budget. Many districts in Northwest Michigan receive the minimum possible state allowance.
"These unequal cuts are hurting our kids and damaging our state's economic recovery," Scripps said. "Education is the last place we should be cutting. Preventing our kids from getting the world-class education they need to compete for jobs in the 21st century global economy will do nothing to help turn our state around."