June 20, 2005

Granholm, who has increased funding for Michigan schools while resolving over $3 billion in budget deficits, told the group that unless the Legislature is willing to close tax loopholes for corporations and special interests, her proposed funding increase for the K-12 education foundation allowance may be in jeopardy.  Granholm has proposed increasing the K-12 budget by $330 million, including an across-the-board $175 per pupil increase in the foundation allowance and increase in funding for at-risk students.

Granholm told the leadership group that investing in education is critical to Michigan’s future and that it must be linked to both strong cost containment strategies and higher student achievement.  She also told the coalition that additional investment in education must be accompanied by a mechanism for paying for that investment.  The fight for meaningful investment in education, she said, must begin with the 2006 budget.

Granholm said closing special interest tax loopholes will also provide the money needed to continue health care for Michigan children.
 
“We all know that kids should be sitting in classrooms, not emergency rooms,” Granholm said.  “Unfortunately, the proposals offered by Republicans in the Legislature would cut thousands of Michigan children off of health care.  That’s wrong, and we all need to say it is wrong – and I will say that tomorrow when I address your members.”
 
Granholm will address the K-16 Coalition at the State Capitol on Tuesday, June 21, at 2 p.m.