As the Sept. 30 state budget deadline approaches, much of Lansing’s conversation is focused on averting a government shutdown. That is important because Michigan families and job providers deserve stability. But, it’s even more important to get the job done right.  

Nowhere is this clearer than in K-12 education. For decades, Michiganders have been told that more money will fix our schools.  In 2018, the “Launch Michigan” initiative called for $2.5 billion more each year — plus $1 billion in promised efficiencies. Since then, state education spending has ballooned by more than $7 billion annually. Even after adjusting for inflation, that’s over $3 billion more from taxpayers every year.  The needed efficiencies, however, were never secured.

Mark Murray is a board member of the West Michigan Policy Forum, a former state budget director and a former state treasurer. (Courtesy photo)

Even with this additional taxpayer funding going to K-12 education, student outcomes continue to go in the wrong direction. Right now, a majority of Michigan’s third-graders — over 6 in 10 — are failing to pass the 3rd grade reading test. Michigan has slipped into the worst 10 nationally for reading, while states such as Mississippi, spending far less per student, have raced ahead — particularly in their work with economically disadvantaged students.  The takeaway is unmistakable: even as taxpayers invest more, Michigan’s children are falling further behind.

Enrollment is down across the state, meaning per-student spending has risen even higher. Sadly, it seems the number of administrators and support staff has grown faster than added teachers in the classroom. Accountability has been eroded as well. Policymakers eliminated public school A-F grades, third-grade reading requirements, and quality teacher evaluations. Schools have been given more money, but neither taxpayers nor students have benefited. Students are learning less, not more.   

Meanwhile, the budget debate in Lansing is over how big our government should get. Just eight years ago, the state budget was $56 billion. This year, the House is proposing to spend almost $79 billion – a 50% increase!  But, their plan does not raise taxes. The Senate version adds almost $10 billion on top of that! Such spending would certainly require new taxes. It would amount to nearly $8,900 for every man, woman, and child in Michigan — an enormous burden on families already struggling with higher costs of living.

A compromise is inevitable.  It needs to be a responsible one.  We should not  allow special interests or political pressure to create a grab bag of earmarks and giveaways. The House cut out $400 million in pork projects and $500 million from the corporate grants programs that have a history of producing few or no jobs. No budget is perfect.  The House budget fixes the roads, supports K-12 education and protects public safety.  It sets the table for an effective compromise that will truly serve Michigan.

Meeting the deadline is important. Delivering a responsible budget is essential. Both can be done.  

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