State lawmakers tell Ann Arbor board budget talks remain unresolved as schools open

Sen. Jeff Erwin and Rep. Morgan Foreman told the Ann Arbor Public Schools board on Aug. 26 that Michigan still lacks a finalized school aid budget even though schools have started, leaving districts uncertain about funding for meals, mental‑health supports and other services.

Erwin, a state senator, said the Senate passed a budget months earlier but full state budget negotiations remain stalled. "We still don't have a budget, and there haven't been serious enough budget conversations about getting K‑12 done," he said, criticizing a missed statutory July 1 deadline and what he described as political posturing in House leadership.

Erwin outlined the Senate education package (Senate Bill 166, S‑4), saying it would raise the foundation allowance about 4.2% to roughly $10,008, increase at‑risk funding by 25% and invest in literacy…