Issues

School funding is inadequate. It is time that Michigan aligns its spending priorities with our state's need to be an educational leader. It is also time that Michigan address the disparity between the lower and higher funded districts. Only then will we take steps towards closing the achievement gap. While philanthropists, foundations, and the private sector have generously invested in education in recent times, their contributions cannot be seen as a justification to reduce state spending on education. In fact, by continually cutting state aid to schools, Michigan runs the risk of making educational programming dependent on the if-come of private dollars. Some charter schools can support reforms like smaller class-sizes, increased technological resources, and extended school days because they receive large donations to supplement their state aid. If we expect traditional public schools to implement these reforms, they have to have the funding to do so, even if they are not receiving private foundation support.

At the heart of the school funding issue is a state revenue issue. Our state's revenue system is antiquated, unfair, unstable and inadequate. In short, it is holding our state back and hurting our children.

Actions

This systemic issue calls for solutions addressing

*Financial Needs: Examine the real financial needs of school districts.

*Tax Structure: Support an effective tax structure in Michigan that creates jobs, is stable, and is fair to Michigan families.

*Funding Michigan Schools (prek-12 and post-secondary): Michigan schools need to be funded in a way that provides them with fiscal stability. This will require completing the school aid, community college, and higher education budgets by June 1st. It will also mean adequately addressing declining enrollment in school funding plans.

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