Michigan school districts are grappling with financial uncertainty as Democratic and Republican leaders in Lansing remain deadlocked over the state education budget, weeks after missing the crucial July 1 deadline.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) accused House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) of creating chaos for schools across the state.
“Schools across the state have been forced into an impossible situation, having to cancel key programs like free school meals because of the uncertainty created by one man,” said Brinks.
School districts were required by state law to finalize their budgets by July 1.
The situation has begun to affect various programs, including the state’s universal free school meals program, which is set to expire on September 30.
Local 4 reached out to several Metro Detroit school districts about the impact of the budget delay.
Dearborn Public Schools officials report they had to take a conservative approach to budget planning due to uncertainties in both federal and state funding.
Trenton Public Schools notified parents last month about navigating both federal funding reductions and the absence of a finalized state budget.
Meanwhile, Wayne-Westland Community Schools maintains that potential budget challenges haven’t affected their hiring or district operations.
Hall defended his position, stating, “We passed a school aid budget before July 1 that really would put record funding into schools and record flexibility for those districts.”
Hall accused House Democrats of putting politics ahead of children’s needs,
Senate Democrats, led by Brinks, maintain they’re ready to negotiate.
“Senate Democrats will continue to come to the negotiating table in good faith with responsible proposals that build up our public education system, not tear it down,” Brinks said.