Monroe Review

State Representative Jamie Thompson has supported a House K-12 budget plan aimed at enhancing flexibility for school districts in Michigan. The plan seeks to localize decision-making and reduce reliance on centralized mandates from Lansing.

"This is a needs-based budget for our local schools and our kids," stated Thompson, representing Brownstown. The budget allows districts to allocate funds towards areas such as school meal programs, career and technical education, safety improvements, or new textbooks based on their specific needs. "That flexibility is something that has been sorely lacking as part of this process over the last few years," she added.

Thompson emphasized the importance of empowering parents, local school boards, administrators, and teachers to make decisions tailored to their communities. "Effective investments in education and respecting both parental choice and local decision-making are things I have fought for since I began representing our communities in the Legislature," she noted.

The budget proposal also aims to restore funding cuts made during the previous legislative term by the Democrat majority in Lansing, which affected school safety and mental health resources. It intends to fully reinstate these funds while eliminating what it describes as wasteful DEI programs.

As the budget moves to the Senate for further consideration, Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony indicated that there might be delays past the July 1 deadline. Thompson criticized this potential delay as unnecessary, stating it would create uncertainty for schools planning for the upcoming year.

"While Democrats look for ways to keep growing government in the budget," Thompson remarked, "Republicans in the House continue to prioritize getting workers and families the best value for their tax dollars."

The proposed changes come amid concerns about Michigan's educational performance compared to other states. "Michigan students and families deserve a better tailored education system that actually drives change," Thompson concluded.