Republican Budget Cuts Put A Dent In Shiawassee Schools

The Republican leadership in the State Senate this evening pushed through a bill that cuts $34 in education funding per student — a cut that will hurt Michigan students and families, and hobble work in classrooms across the state.

In tough economic times, when it is critical to invest in our people and our economic future and prepare for the knowledge-based jobs that will grow Michigan’s economy, the Republicans refused to support Governor Granholm’s “two penny” plan. Instead, they want to cut education first.

We cannot afford to slash investments in education at the exact moment when the economy demands this kind of investment to ensure our state is competitive. Michigan needs a comprehensive, lasting solution — which is exactly what Governor Granholm and Democrats in the State House and State Senate will continue to fight for.

The Republican bill, opposed by all Senate Democrats as well as one Senate Republican, means immediate cuts in funds for the current school year for almost every school district in the state. Here is the breakdown for Shiawassee:

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This is nearly a half-million dollars in cuts throughout Shiawassee, and over $57 million in cuts statewide. It still doesn’t come close to solving the $3.4 billion budget deficit that the state faces this year and next year. More cuts are on the way, but this is a clear first indication that the Republican budget plan hurts Michigan families.

Click here to download a pdf that details the education cuts across the state.

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