Michigan Passes $83B Budget with Education Focus

Michigan lawmakers passed an $83 billion state budget after a 19-hour session, predominantly along party lines, with significant allocations for public education totaling $23.4 billion. The budget includes free community college for all and free preschool for most children, but does not increase per-pupil funding, raising concerns about potential layoffs and reduced school safety funding. Republicans criticized the budget for reallocating $670 million from teacher pension funds, while Democrats emphasized the reduced pension contribution rate saving $598 million. Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed using the excess funds for universal pre-kindergarten, while some legislators focused on returning money to schools. The Legislature is working to finalize budget bills before its summer recess, marking a significant step towards shaping the state's fiscal priorities for the upcoming year.