House approves GOP education budget, cuts K‑12 aid and reshapes early‑childhood and school programs

The Michigan House approved a set of education bills on a party‑line vote Wednesday that would cut and repurpose K‑12 funding, preserve and expand some early‑childhood investments and change how some school programs are funded.

Representative Kelly introduced the Department of Education appropriation (House Bill 4576) and told colleagues the proposal reduced department spending by 21% and cut $8 million tied to teacher preparation fees, while reducing 118 full‑time equivalent positions. "These are jobs that have been, carried on the books and go unfilled," Kelly said, urging a yes vote.

The package included an amendment and substitute proposals debated on the House floor. Representative Glanville, speaking for a substitute to House Bill 4577, emphasized preserving the Great Start Readiness Program and cited program reach and funding: "This program allows our 4‑year‑old children...Currently, the Great Start program is available in 470 Michigan school districts, and serves more than 338,000 preschoolers, and about 90% of these children come from low income families." Glanville said her substitute would invest $625,000,000 into that program.

Other members objected to the school‑aid changes. Representative Colazar opposed House Bill 4577, saying it would eliminate funding and programs local schools rely on, including universal free meal funding and dedicated school safety funding. "This budget also eliminates dedicated school safety funding...Vote no," Colazar said. Representative Weiss said the proposal "diverts $2,000,000,000 away from K‑12 schools" and warned cuts would force districts to raise local property taxes.

Representative Miller spoke in support of maintaining universal meals and urged protection of free breakfast and lunch, saying the program is a primary source of nutrition for many students and that funding should be preserved.

The House adopted the appropriations and related bills by narrow margins. House Bill 4576 (Department of Education appropriation) passed 56–53 and was ordered given immediate effect. House Bill 4577 (amendments to the State School Aid Act of 1979) also passed 56–53 and was given immediate effect. House Bill 4578 (appropriations for the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential) passed 56–53 and was ordered immediate.

Sponsors and committee leaders framed the package as fiscal restraint and a refocus on direct services; opponents called it a disinvestment in public education with uneven impacts for rural and high‑need districts. The House record shows several members from both parties spoke at length during consideration, and committees were given leave to meet later in the day.

The bills now proceed under immediate effect actions recorded on the House floor; further steps will include any conference, Senate consideration or implementation actions at the department level.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 4576 — passed 56–53; House Bill 4577 — passed 56–53; House Bill 4578 — passed 56–53.

Less critical procedural notes: the House adopted substitutes where noted from the Appropriations Committee before final passage, and several members announced committee meetings and adjournment plans after the votes.