Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

DETROIT — On Monday, Governor Whitmer signed her eighth and final education budget into law. The balanced, bipartisan fiscal year 2027 (FY27) school aid budget delivers a historic investment in student literacy, with $502 million allocated toward literacy curriculum, literacy training for teachers, before- and after-school programs, literacy coaches, high impact tutoring, and more. It fulfills a key promise of the governor’s 2026 State of the State address. This budget also makes historic investments in public schools, free school meals, free pre-K for all, free community college, and lowers the cost of earning a skill certificate or college degree. The governor also signed five bills to train teachers, expand access to child care, and direct more resources to kids who need them most.

“This education budget will help every Michigan student succeed, from pre-K to postsecondary and beyond,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This year, we’re making historic investments in early starts, proven methods, and extra help for our students so that Every Child Reads. I’m proud to sign this education budget which will invest in our educators, continue free school meals for all 1.4 million public school students, and deliver on the literacy plan laid out in my State of the State Address earlier this year. I’m also excited to sign policy bills that will train every reading teacher in the right methods and direct more resources to kids who need them most. Together, we’re building on the progress we’ve already made to close the school funding gap, expand college affordability and skills training, and support students with greater needs. Together, we’re investing in our students and preparing them for success.”

“The state school aid budget and Science of Reading legislation signed today by Governor Gretchen Whitmer put Students First,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. ”The significant literacy investments, along with the many other education priorities included in this budget, demonstrate what we can accomplish when we work together in a bipartisan fashion. I am excited that we are making literacy achievement Michigan’s top education priority because we must ensure that Every Child Reads and that all Michigan students are prepared for success in school and in life. The budget also continues funding for every public-school student to receive free breakfast and lunch. It invests in our ongoing efforts to address the teacher shortage so that students are taught by highly qualified, certified educators. It increases support for students with the greatest needs, including children who are economically disadvantaged, English learners, and students with disabilities. It also supports Career and Technical Education, rural and isolated school districts, student transportation, and dual enrollment opportunities that expand access to college and careers. I thank Governor Whitmer and our legislative partners for working together to put Students First.”

“At a time when our politics too often reward division instead of solutions, today proves we can still come together to do what’s right for our kids. This budget makes meaningful investments in Michigan’s future by putting students at the center of school funding,” said state Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), a former educator and Chair of the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee. “Senate Bill 903 finally moves Michigan to a weighted funding formula that directs more resources to the students and schools that need them most, while this budget also delivers record per-pupil funding, $150 million for educator bonuses, and greater funding stability for school districts. These investments build on our commitment to universal free school meals and continue our work to ensure every child, in every community, has the opportunity to succeed. Our work isn’t finished, but today we’ve taken another important step toward building the education system our children deserve.”

“In 2023, Democrats gained the first Senate Majority in over forty years. Since then, Michigan’s education budgets have finally been led by former teachers who understand firsthand what our students, educators, and schools need to thrive — and this year’s budget is no different,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “With another year of free school meals, a record per-pupil increase, more funding for literacy resources, educator bonuses, and a more equitable funding formula that supports the students that need it most — this bipartisan education budget invests in the future of our kids, our communities, and our entire state.”