DETROIT, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed her eighth and final education budget into law, a balanced and bipartisan fiscal year 2027 (FY27) school aid budget that delivers historic investments across Michigan's education system. The budget allocates $502 million towards student literacy initiatives, fulfilling a key promise from the governor’s 2026 State of the State address. It also makes significant investments in public schools, free school meals, free pre-K for all, free community college, and aims to lower the cost of earning skill certificates or college degrees.
"This education budget will help every Michigan student succeed, from pre-K to postsecondary and beyond," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "This year, we’re making historic investments in early starts, proven methods, and extra help for our students so that Every Child Reads. I’m proud to sign this education budget which will invest in our educators, continue free school meals for all 1.4 million public school students, and deliver on the literacy plan laid out in my State of the State Address earlier this year."
The "Every Child Reads" plan, a cornerstone of the budget, targets literacy at multiple levels. It includes $129.1 million for "early starts," such as continuing free Pre-K for All through the Great Start Readiness program and expanding the early educator workforce. "Proven methods" receive $146.1 million, primarily for training teachers in the science of reading, including $75 million for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training and incentives for districts to adopt science of reading-aligned curriculum. Additionally, $195.6 million is allocated for "extra help," funding high-impact tutoring, expanded before- and after-school programs, and adult education.
Alongside the budget, Governor Whitmer signed five bills designed to further support education. House Bills 5697 and 5646 mandate intensive training in the science of reading for elementary teachers. Senate Bill 903 codifies a weighted funding formula, directing more resources to students and schools with greater needs. Senate Bill 989 modifies interim teaching certification to expand pathways for special education teachers, while House Bill 6043 codifies and expands the Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program statewide, making child care more affordable for working families.
Further K-12 investments include $200 million to continue free school meals for all 1.4 million public school students, a $325 million increase in base per-pupil funding to $10,300 per student, and $278 million for academically at-risk students, English language learners, and career and technical education students. The budget also dedicates $150 million for educator bonuses, $107 million for teacher recruitment and retention programs, and $321 million for student wellness through mental health and safety grants. Beyond K-12, the budget supports early learning partnerships, increases funding for Early On services, and invests $2.2 billion to sustain university and community college operations, advancing Michigan’s "Sixty by 30" goal. It also allocates $532 million for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and $25 million to expand Michigan Reconnect, offering tuition-free pathways for adult learners.