Hundreds Rally at Michigan State Capitol for Education Funding
LANSING, Mich. – A massive crowd gathered at the State Capitol on Tuesday to advocate for increased funding for education in Michigan. The Michigan Education Justice Coalition, consisting of 35 organizations, is calling for an additional $4.5 billion to be allocated in next year’s budget to fully support schools.
Among the speakers at the rally was high school senior Jason Dyer, who highlighted the lack of mental health resources in schools. Dyer shared his personal experience of being homeless up until eighth grade and emphasized the need for more support for students facing similar challenges.
The coalition’s demands include allocating $10 million for transportation for students in foster care or experiencing homelessness and $600,000 for a school-to-prison pipeline intervention. Autumn Butler, an organizer of the event, stressed the importance of addressing these issues to ensure a more equitable education system.
State Representative Regina Weiss, a former public school teacher, expressed her support for the funding increase, emphasizing the need for equitable investment to meet the diverse needs of students. The coalition also proposed allocating $100 million for school facility grants, $80 million for English learner students, $300 million for mental health services, and $15 million for predominantly black communities.
State Rep. Bryan Posthumus acknowledged the failures of the state in adequately supporting schools and emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the education system. While funding is crucial, he highlighted the importance of addressing systemic issues from the ground up to ensure long-term success.