Rep. Haugh Opposes Education Budget that Hurts Children, Families

LANSING - State Representative Harold L. Haugh (D-Roseville) joined his Democratic House colleagues on April 26 in opposing an education budget for the upcoming fiscal year that fails to provide sufficient resources or support to Michigan’s struggling K-12 schools, community colleges and higher education institutions.

“I could not support a budget that places our children’s future at risk,” said Haugh. “The Michigan Legislature, despite my objections, continues to cut funding to what is always referred to as a priority. This disinvestment in our children’s futures shows the exact opposite. We need to invest properly in education to create the conditions for business growth and Michigan’s economic rebirth.”

While Republican leaders and the governor have been touting the education budget as containing a 2.5 percent increase, total recommended expenditures decline from Fiscal Year 2012 to 2013 and continue to decline in Fiscal Year 2014, making the budget a net loss for Michigan’s kids. House Bill 5372 provides for no increase in the per-pupil foundation allowance. Additional money is only made available to schools that meet vaguely defined `best practices’ which limits local control and the flexibility to determine how best to run their operations with community input. The budget also continues to divert School Aid Fund money to higher education, including nearly $200 million to fund community colleges, resulting in the School Aid foundation allowance to be at its lowest level since 2006.

In addition, Michigan has dropped to 43rd out of 50 states in what is allocated towards higher education funding. Michigan is providing $163 per capita support for higher education vs. the national average of $233. This comes at a time when these institutions are even more critical for preparing students to compete in today’s globalized world.

“Job providers seek a well educated population,” said Haugh, who worked over 40 years at General Motors before retiring as Assistant Director of International Regulations. “This proposed budget impacts all levels of education in Michigan negatively by raising the costs for pursuing an education that is necessary for Michigan’s students to compete globally. I will do my best to fight for education as the budget process continues. “

House Bill 5372 passed the Michigan House with a 56-54 vote and will now head to the Michigan Senate for further consideration.