Michigan Budget Deadlines and Education Funding Dispute
Michigan lawmakers have repeatedly missed budget deadlines as the state edges closer to a possible government shutdown. A central dispute in the negotiations is the level of funding for education, particularly early childhood programs.
Governor Whitmer's Visit to Romulus Preschool
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited a home-based preschool in Romulus Wednesday to spotlight her administration’s Pre-K for All initiative and warn that delays threaten recent gains. She stressed that investments in children ages three to five yield long-term benefits, including better health and higher lifetime earnings.
Funding and Progress in Education
Whitmer pointed to last year’s $23.4 billion education budget, which she signed in July and which included funding to enroll nearly 60,000 children in the state’s Great Start Readiness Program. She said the stalled budget process risks undermining progress made under that plan.
Visit Highlights and Program Details
During the visit, Whitmer read to children at Beyond the Bell Preschool and met with staff and families. Michelle Cook, the program’s directo...