Michigan governor's budget promises free education and lower family costs, but GOP says it's unfair
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants state lawmakers to prioritize increased funding to education in this year's state budget
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday presented a $80.7 billion budget Wednesday that aims to boost education spending and deliver on her promise to provide students free education from preschool through community college.
The second-term Democratic governor unveiled her budget proposal in a joint session between the House and Senate appropriations committees. It follows a State of the State speech last month where Whitmer concentrated on initiatives such as free community college for all high school graduates, free preschool for 4-year-olds and continuing a free breakfast and lunch program for all students.
“My budget today will deliver on the vision I outlined a couple weeks ago,” Whitmer told lawmakers. “Lowering costs, improving education and ensuring that anyone and everyone can make it here in Michigan.”
Whitmer asked for $63.5 million to expand free pre-K to 4-year-olds and $30 million for the free community college program. Continuing to provide free breakfast and lunch would cost $200 million this year, according to the governor.
