Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bipartisan bill into law, forgiving school makeup days for dozens of Michigan counties severely impacted by unpredictable winter and spring weather, including snowmelt, storms, and flooding.
This legislation provides relief to schools and students whose routines were disrupted, removing unnecessary penalties. Governor Whitmer said, "Michigan families are still feeling the impacts of the severe weather that devastated many of our communities. This bill removes unnecessary penalties on students and schools whose routines were disrupted."
State Rep. Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs), who sponsored House Bill 5797, expressed gratitude, noting the bill addresses the problematic situation created by extreme weather in Northern Michigan and the U.P. State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Township) added that schools and families in his district are pleased to see the extraordinary circumstances recognized.
The bill specifically offers excusals for instruction days canceled due to storms and flooding, benefiting schools in northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and downstate counties affected by a May water main break. Governor Whitmer is also focused on securing funds to help Michiganders rebuild their communities.