Representative says the safety and mental health of our kids should be a priority

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz recently held a roundtable with local superintendents who are very concerned about the new state budget and other challenges their districts are facing.

Schmaltz, R-Jackson, met with leaders from Jackson, Grass Lake, and Chelsea schools, to discuss their concerns with the education budget signed by the governor last week, which includes a 92% cut to school safety and mental health funding and no in the per-pupil foundation allowance for the first time since 2011.

Recent data released by the House Fiscal Agency illustrates how much funding local school districts are set to lose, based on the latest school count numbers:

“The new state budget leaves our kids behind and our school districts facing major shortfalls,” Schmaltz said. “Instead of spending money on ridiculous projects like e-bike incentives, EV charging stations, and drones, we should be investing in children’s safety and mental health.”

The superintendents are seeking additional per-pupil funding through the legislative supplemental process, a proposal Schmaltz is advocating for in the state House. She is also working on finding other solutions to help local schools bridge the gap in funding created by the cuts they are facing.

“Our children and schools shouldn’t suffer,” Schmaltz said. “We need to reinstate the funding now.”

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