Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on June 7, 2005, the House version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005-2006 school aid budget. This appropriates $12.783 billion in gross spending, compared to $12.467 billion authorized for the current year, and $12.808 billion proposed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The budget increases the per-pupil foundation grant to schools by $175, with an extra $25 for schools receiving less than $7,200 per student

The vote was 66 in favor, 44 opposed and 0 not voting

(House Roll Call 221 at House Journal 58)

Click here to view bill details.

Reps. Cushingberry, Zelenko and Gonzales, having reserved the right to explain their protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I voted against the Republican school aid budget, HB 4887, because it once again puts corporate greed over kids in need. Governor Granholm offered a school aid budget that struck the proper balance between budget cuts and eliminating corporate tax breaks. House Bill 4887 did not include the $33 million increase for at-risk pupils that the Governor recommended. That funding is sorely needed for our students facing the greatest challenges. Additionally, this budget did not include the $50 per pupil grant increase for high school students that would have guided our schools toward a more scholarly curriculum, leading to greater success in post-secondary institutions. Studies show that providing such a scholarly program for our high school students is very expensive, and this funding would have provided our schools the resources they need to help our students meet the increased challenges of a global economy. Failing to fund these programs, while protecting antiquated corporate tax breaks, is reprehensible. For these reasons, I voted no on House Bill 4887."

Rep. Kathleen Law, having reserved the right to explain her protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "I voted against the Republican school aid budget, HB 4887, because it once again puts corporate greed over kids in need. Governor Granholm offered a school aid budget that struck the proper balance between budget cuts and eliminating corporate tax breaks. House Bill 4887 did not include the $33 million increase for at-risk pupils that the Governor recommended. That funding is sorely needed for our students facing the greatest challenges. Additionally, this budget did not include the $50 per pupil grant increase for high school students that would have guided our schools toward a more scholarly curriculum, leading to greater success in post-secondary institutions. Studies show that providing such a scholarly program for our high school students is very expensive, and this funding would have provided our schools the resources they need to help our students meet the increased challenges of a global economy. Failing to fund these programs, while protecting antiquated corporate tax breaks, is reprehensible. For these reasons, I voted no on House Bill 4887."

Now the salaries will go sky high.