The bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979, focusing on appropriations for public schools and community colleges for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It establishes a nominal appropriation amount of $100 for various funds, including the state school aid fund and community district education trust fund, while also modifying the payment schedule for state fiscal year entitlements to ensure payments are made in installments. The bill emphasizes the mandatory nature of certain provisions by replacing "shall" with "must," aiming to streamline funding processes and clarify the financial framework for educational institutions in Michigan.
Additionally, the bill appropriates a total of $2,324,292,600 for educational initiatives, with specific allocations for community colleges and public universities, including funds for internet accessibility and student transfer programs. It adjusts the distribution of funds to community colleges by changing the fiscal year end to June 30, 2026, and specifies that payments will begin in October 2025. The bill also introduces a one-time allocation for public universities to address pension liabilities and updates the definition of "participating public universities" to reflect current practices. Overall, these changes are designed to enhance educational access and support for students in Michigan while ensuring timely distribution of funds.
Statutes affected: Senate Introduced Bill: 388.1611