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Appropriations panel adopts MDE budget with staff cuts and new grant, workplace restrictions
Summary
The Michigan House Appropriations Committee approved House Bill 45 76 H-1, cutting Michigan Department of Education (MDE) staffing and restricted funds while adding new reporting and grant conditions, after debate on classroom funding and remote-work rules.
The Michigan House Appropriations Committee on the motion adopted the H‑1 substitute to House Bill 45 76, the Michigan Department of Education appropriation, after a roll call that the clerk recorded as 17 yeas and 12 nays. Noel Benson, a House Fiscal Agency analyst, told members the House proposal set “the MDE gross budget at $133,200,000” — a decrease Benson described as “a $31,700,000 or 19.2 percent decline” and a staff reduction of 118 full‑time equivalents.
The measure trims $17.3 million from the general fund, removes an $8 million restricted fund tied to teacher certification fees (reflecting passage of a separate bill that eliminates those fees), and eliminates vacant positions and several program-specific FTEs, Benson said. He identified specific program reductions including partnership district support and library services and noted the budget assumes removal of $9.5 million tied to eliminating vacant positions.
Committee members pressed MDE and fiscal staff on operational and implementation details. Representative Edwards asked whether the in‑person work requirement in boilerplate had considered staff who perform field work; Representative Kelly said the bill reflects a return from pandemic remote‑work practices and emphasized spending priorities directed to schools. Representative Glanville and others questioned whether required reporting and program changes would be adequately supported after cuts.
The bill adds new boilerplate requiring quarterly performance scorecards, conditions on grant awards and contractor use of the federal E‑Verify system, and restrictions on use of funds for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, among other provisions. It also includes language capping court‑approved judgments paid from department funds and reinstating severance reporting. The proposal removes a dedicated teacher certification fee fund from MDE appropriations because another House bill eliminates certification fees.
The committee adopted the H‑1 substitute on a roll call, and the clerk recorded the motion as adopted. The committee later reported the bill out with recommendation as amended.
