LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today voted to increase funding for local schools to help ensure that our students will get the skills needed to be competitive in the 21st century global workforce.
"If we want to make Michigan an economic powerhouse of the 21st century, we must invest in our children," Dean said. "For too long, our teachers have been forced to do too much with too little. This plan will ensure that our schools have the resources they need to prepare our students for competition in the global workforce."
Dean voted to increase per-pupil funding for local schools to give teachers the tools necessary to give our kids the skills they will need to compete, keep class sizes low and ensure that all students have access to a top-notch education.
Under the plan approved today, Grand Rapids Public Schools will receive an additional $106 in per-pupil funding. The plan now goes to the governor to be signed into law.
"This plan not only benefits our children – it also benefits our state," Dean said. "Businesses want to locate in places that have highly skilled and educated workers, and this plan will entice job providers in high-growth fields like renewable energy production to come to Michigan. Today's action will ensure that our kids get the best education possible and help get our economy back on track."