Whitmer’s 2021 Budget Proposal: Shaping Our Government to Serve Our Citizens
If there’s one thing we’re all learning from the COVID-19 crisis, it's that people need their government to stand up for them, especially when times are tough. While our federal leadership falters and deflects blame, Governor Whitmer knows best how to serve our citizens—and her 2021 budget does just that. She’s proposed the largest funding hike for public schools in almost two decades, pushed for parental leave and subsidized child care for working families, and designated funding to protect our Great Lakes and shore up our infrastructure in the face of a changing climate. Democrats and voters statewide have fought long and hard to address these issues, and now, we finally have a people-focused plan to fix them.
So what can we look forward to in 2021?
Education:
Public schools are the keys to our future, but you’d never know it by looking at Michigan’s past education funding. Our public schools have been through a lot, from losing per-pupil money to for-profit charter schools to watching colleges and universities dip into the School Aid Fund. Thankfully, Governor Whitmer said “enough is enough” and allocated money for everything from improved special education services to expanded state-provided preschool, with extra support for the most underserved districts. Specifically, the budget proposes:
A $60 million boost in special education funding
$25 million to reimburse teachers for out-of-pocket expenses (up to $250 each)
$60 million dedicated to academically at-risk and economically disadvantaged students
Increasing state contributions to narrow the funding gap between schools in affluent and low-income areas. The lowest-funded schools would see an increase of $225 per student, while better-funded schools would receive an additional $150 per student.
$42 million to provide universal preschool to 4-year olds in high-poverty areas through the Great Start Readiness program.
Working Families:
While the costs of childcare and healthcare continue to rise, many working families are raising tomorrow’s leaders on wages that wouldn’t have cut it a generation ago. That’s why Governor Whitmer is proposing a historic level of support, including dedicated funding for childcare and maternal health, and paid family leave for state employees. Healthy, thriving families are good for our children and for Michigan as a whole, and the Governor’s budget will put them first. Funding highlights include:
$37.5 million to care for Michigan women before and after they give birth through the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for state workers, including prorated leave for part-time employees
$27 million to expand a subsidized child care program for low-income families and to increase the eligibility limit from 130% to 150% of the federal poverty level (about $31,995 for a family of 3).
Our Environment:
We know our climate, water, and resources are worth protecting—now, Governor Whitmer is giving communities and regulators the funds they need to make it happen, no matter what goes on at the federal level. We can no longer gamble with the health of our residents and communities by ignoring aging infrastructure and letting polluters off the hook. The budget provides:
Funding to protect our lakes, streams, and habitats by decreasing farm and phosphorus runoff
$40 million to help local governments develop “climate-resilient infrastructure” and to plan for climate change impacts like high water levels
$20 million for rapid abatement of contaminated properties across Michigan
$4 million for the Attorney General’s office to hold polluters accountable and a crackdown on chemical contamination
$40 million for schools to upgrade their facilities and create healthier classrooms and learning environments
We have a lot of challenges to tackle with limited resources, but I support Governor Whitmer’s proposal because it prioritizes the things that matter most to Michiganders—our families, our water and natural resources, and our future.
Media:
Whitmer to grant 12 weeks of paid parental leave for Michigan state workers
Whitmer to propose up to $225 more per student in K-12 Michigan funding
Additional Sources: https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/02/gov-whitmer-seeks-64m-in-2021-budget-for-new-environmental-initiatives.html