MiLEAP Director Applauds Commitment to Literacy, Lifelong Education in Gov. Whitmer’s Budget

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget recommendation reflects a bold commitment to improve literacy and better prepare students for future success, earning strong support from Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) Director Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea. 

“Education is a lifelong continuum, and Governor Whitmer’s FY27 budget recommendation reflects a comprehensive commitment to supporting learners at every stage—from early childhood through postsecondary and career advancement.

I’m excited to see a proposal that makes historic investments in literacy and PreK for All, strengthens educator preparation and professional development, and emphasizes the use of proven, science-based instructional practices, while continuing to fund free breakfast and lunch for all public school students. At a time when too many Michigan children are still struggling, this budget prioritizes what works and continues building the coordinated systems necessary to help every child read with confidence.

These proposed investments strengthen Michigan’s commitment to lifelong learning by expanding out-of-school time programming, recognizing that learning and building strong reading and writing skills continues beyond the school day, and expanding Michigan Reconnect to age 21 while sustaining the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and financial aid access—ensuring cost is not a barrier to a credential. The governor is calling on us, MiLEAP’s partners and the legislature to equip every Michigander with the tools to succeed, thrive, and reach their full potential—let’s get this done.”

Highlights in the budget to improve literacy and invest in students include:

Investing in lifelong literacy and ensuring every child reads

Investing Early

• $181.1 million to make free PreK for all available to an estimated 68,000 children through the Great Start Readiness program (GSRP), saving families $14,000 per year.
• $25 million in startup grants to open new GSRP classrooms with teachers trained in the science of reading.
• $25.2 million for Early On to continue providing early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.
• $30 million for a new Early Learning Partnerships initiative to restore the goals and mission of Great Start Collaboratives by connecting families with early learning opportunities.

Training Teachers

• $50 million for every reading teacher to complete Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training to support evidence-based reading instruction, improve grade-level reading proficiency, and close achievement gaps across the state.
• $10.5 million to expand access to literacy coaches, a four-fold increase since the governor took office.
• $7.6 million to support the Literacy Essentials and comprehensive professional learning about the science of reading and multi-tiered systems of support.

Adopting Proven Curriculum

• $100 million for incentives to districts to adopt science of reading-aligned curriculum and ensure teachers have tools to implement proven practices in their classrooms.

Connecting Kids with Extra Help in Classrooms and Communities

• $135 million to sustain Out-of-School Time programming, ensuring students have safe, engaging spaces before and after school and during summer.
• $100 million to expand tutoring for children who need extra help.

Lowering costs for college and career opportunities moving Michigan closer to achieving Sixty by 30

• $532 million for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to continue providing tuition-free pathways for full-time community college students through the Community College Guarantee, and up to $27,500 for students at public or private 4-year universities, estimated to reach 112,400 students in academic year 2027.
• $67 million to continue Michigan Reconnect, including $25 million to permanently lower the age of eligibility to 21, allowing more adults a tuition-free pathway to earn an associate degree or skill certificate.  More than 66,500 students have enrolled in community college with Michigan Reconnect since it was created in 2021.

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