Senators governor, and state superintendent announce more than $1 billion for Michigan schools

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI), Gary Peters (MI), Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Michigan’s State  Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice last Friday announced that Michigan schools will receive $1,242,589,506 in federal funding to support students, teachers and staff. This will help Michigan schools continue to expand early childhood learning opportunities, improve literacy, and improve the safety and wellness of students. These funds are possible because of the American Rescue Plan that Senator Stabenow and Peters secured passage of in March.

“This pandemic has been especially challenging for our educators, students and parents.  As students return to in-person learning, parents and educators are facing many challenges including gaps in learning and the safety of students and teachers in the classroom. This investment from the American Rescue Plan will provide our schools with the resources they need to tackle these challenges head on,” said Stabenow.

“As we work to emerge from the pandemic, it is critical that our Michigan schools have the federal resources necessary to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for students, teachers and staff,” said Peters. “Now that Michigan’s plan is approved for using this American Rescue Plan funding we secured, our state can support additional efforts to expand early childhood education and literacy opportunities, while also enabling educators and students to be healthy and safe at schools.”

“This $1 billion investment in Michigan’s schools will help our kids thrive and ensure teachers and staff have the resources and support they need,” said Whitmer. “I am grateful to Senators Stabenow and Peters for working to pass this funding in the American Rescue Plan, which we included in the education funding bill I signed earlier this summer making the largest K-12 investment in state history without raising taxes. That bill closed the funding gap between schools in Michigan and delivered critical mental health resources. Together, we can continue putting Michiganders first and get things done that make a real difference in their lives

“Our state ARP plan will help Michigan students better rebound from the disrupted learning that they experienced during the past year,” said Rice. “I am very pleased that Secretary Cardona and the U.S. Department of Education approved our state plan and released the remaining $1.24 billion in federal funds for Michigan schools to improve our schools in myriad ways for children.”

This news comes as the U.S. Department of Education approved Michigan’s American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief plan. In addition to the $1,242,589,506 received last Friday, Michigan schools also received $2,479,888,752 because of the American Rescue Plan in March. In total, Michigan schools will receive $3,722,478,258.