Michigan education activists want a supplementary budget to increase funding

(CBS) – According to an education advocacy group, the state of Michigan’s school budget for the upcoming fiscal year is short on funds.

The $83 billion state budget for next fiscal year includes increasing school funding by about $400 per student, as well as expanding programs that allow residents to continue their education into adulthood. But the Michigan Education Association believes lawmakers must do more to support education in our state.

“Categorical funding for student mental health and school safety was cut in this year’s budget,” said MEA spokesman Thomas Morgan. “We want to pass a supplemental budget when lawmakers return to the Capitol to make sure we provide adequate funding to bring more school-based psychologists into our schools so we have people on the ground in our schools to help our kids who may be struggling with their mental health.”

According to the MEA, Michigan ranks second to last in the nation in terms of availability of school counselors. The association also calls for more funding to improve the physical security of our schools.

“In some districts, that means putting in metal detectors where it makes sense,” Morgan said. “It might mean putting in cameras. It might mean developing a better school security plan in case the unthinkable happens. In some places, it’s about hiring security guards at schools. So every situation is a little bit different depending on the school. But it’s important that we provide those resources to schools so they can retain their staff and keep the kids safe.”

At the end of July and in August, Parliament is scheduled to return from its summer recess and meet for two short sessions.