BY JAKE NEHER
Michigan Public Radio Network
Schools and local governments would get a boost under a budget plan making its way through the state Legislature. The legislation would also keep open the last three juvenile justice facilities in the state.
Michigan public schools would see at least a $5 per-pupil boost. Schools getting the minimum amount from the state could receive up to $60 more per student.
Democratic State Representative Brandon Dillon said he's happy no schools will see cuts in state support. But he said it still doesn't come close to adequately funding public schools.
"You know, it's better than last year. But our standards for excellence in school funding have diminished significantly. And it's still not enough to educate kids, especially kids in high poverty, high needs districts, and our urban districts," Dillon said.
Democrats are also criticizing the bill for cutting funds that would go toward implementing the federal Common Core curriculum standards in schools. They say those funding cuts put Michigan schools at risk of losing federal dollars.
State revenue sharing with municipalities and counties would increase by almost 5 percent under the budget bills. Many lawmakers say that would be a big help to local governments that have seen their budgets dwindle in recent years.
But the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee said it's not enough. Representative Rashida Tlaib said many cities will still have trouble providing basic services.
"This little bit of trinkets that we just gave them, they're trinkets. They're not enough to really restore those cuts that folks on the other side of the aisle took two years ago," Tlaib said.
The legislation would also keep open the last three juvenile justice facilities in the state. Many lawmakers wanted the facilities closed to save money.
Republican state Representative Peter MacGregor calls the plan a compromise.
"To tell you the truth, all three facilities continue to bleed general fund dollars. There's some savings there. I just have to do a better job of convincing my senate and the executive that there are real savings there," MacGregor said.
Additionally the budget plan would maintain state film incentives at $50 million a year.
The state Senate could take up the budget bills as soon as Wednesday.
Copyright 2013, MPRN