LANSING—Senate Democrats worked to secure funding for important and innovative education initiatives during debate over school funding in the Senate today. Proposals emphasized by Democrats included restoring funding for early childhood education, a small high school initiative, and providing money to address declining enrollment. Only the declining enrollment measure was approved by the Republican-led Senate, but the overall budget did include a $293 million increase for schools and Democrats will continue to push for additional resources as the bills move to the House of Representatives.

Sen. Clark-Coleman sought to restore $32 million for Governor Granholm’s 21st Century Schools

Fund, which would help Michigan school districts replace large high schools that have low academic achievement and high dropout rates with smaller, targeted high schools. These schools will emphasize strong personal relationships, consistent discipline, and real-world relevance to help at-risk students achieve high academic goals.

“The 21st Century Schools Fund is yet another example of attending to the individual needs of every child while investing in their futures and the future of our state,” said Senator Irma Clark-Coleman (D-Detroit). “The returns are educated, happy and productive citizens upon whom this states depends on to grow. It's an investment in their success and ours.”

Sen. Clark-Coleman also continued to champion early childhood education by introducing an amendment to restore $24 million for that initiative. A cost-benefit analysis of several renowned pre-school programs projects returns ranging from $3 to $17 for every dollar invested, turning funding now into financial savings in the future.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) voted to support both proposals, and also introduced an amendment of his own that would increase Early Childhood Investment Corporation collaborative grants by $5 million to $6.75 million and restore innovative grants to $2.5 million.

“Investing in early childhood education gives Michigan students a better chance to compete with students from around the world, and saves us tax dollars in the long-run because corrections and other social services costs are reduced,” said Sen. Schauer. “This is the closest option we have to a ‘silver bullet’ to improve our economy, strengthen our workforce, and reduce state funding for other programs down the road.”

Senator Glenn Anderson (D-Westland) pushed for and helped successfully pass an amendment today to stimulate success in Michigan schools, proposing to provide $5 million to address declining enrollment. Senators Gilda Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods), Dennis Olshove (D-Warren), Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming), and Mickey Switalski (D-Roseville) also posed education funding proposals as part of the School Aid budget.

“As we work to bolster our economy and create more jobs, we need to be developing the next wave of workers to fill those positions,” Sen. Anderson said. “Keeping our classrooms full, our curriculum engaging and real-world applicable, and challenging our students from start to finish are keys to creating successful adults ready to contribute to our economy.”

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