Capitol News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that Michigan will continue to provide free school meals for all public school students as part of the state's fiscal year 2026 education budget. The initiative, included in Senate Bill 166, is expected to save families across the state nearly $1,000 per year.

The FY26 Education Omnibus budget allocates a total of $24.1 billion for education, with $19.5 billion coming from the School Aid Fund. The budget features record per-pupil funding of $10,050, expanded literacy support, funding for free pre-K and community college, investments in campus infrastructure, and bonuses aimed at recruiting and retaining educators.

“Here in Michigan, we’re connecting our kids with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive whether they’re in pre-K or senior year,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to sign my seventh balanced, bipartisan budget that continues free school meals for all, so Michigan kids and families can focus on learning. We’ve included record per-student funding of more than $10,000 for every child in school, free pre-k and community college for all, and even more literacy support. We’re also supporting the teachers and schools who shape our kids by delivering attracting and retention bonuses, free training programs, and investments in our education campuses. Together, we’re setting our kids up for a brighter future that starts in Michigan.”

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the significance of continuing free meals: “As a father to three young kids, I know how much free breakfast and lunch matters to working Michigan families. Our seventh balanced, bipartisan budget continues free school meals for all 1.4 million public school students, saving families like mine almost $1,000 a year. It also boosts per-pupil funding, invests in before- and after-school programs, and helps more teachers get in front of a classroom. Governor Whitmer and I will keep Standing Tall for all Michigan kids.”

Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) noted changes from previous budgets: “Michigan’s new education budget puts parents and kids first, and it’s about time we had a state budget that did that. Past budgets were stuffed full of earmarks and regulations, some of which even paid out to for-profit companies by taking money out of the classroom. That’s not right, and I’m glad we were able to come together to turn that around. This plan gives new flexibility to local districts, empowers parents to guide their children’s future, funds free breakfast and lunch, and increases funding for smaller classroom sizes. Together, we gave schools a major boost as the new year gets underway.”

State Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Chair of the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee said: "This process was not easy, but it was hard because of our care and conviction. Ultimately, we were able to work together to get it done and notch some big wins for Michigan kids, parents, teachers, and schools. Today, we are not only celebrating the bipartisanship that resulted in a budget deal, but also the broader achievement of agreement on some major principles: that no kid should have to go to school hungry, that students and schools with greater needs deserve greater funding, and that school safety includes mental health and security."

State Representative Tim Kelly (R-Clinton) added: "While Michigan continues to be generous in supporting public education, we are still awaiting much needed progress in student performance. That said, I am pleased to support a school aid budget with an historic increase in the foundation allowance, one that fully funds all public school students regardless of the school they choose to attend. Restoring health and safety, plus food support for every child including non-public students; an increase for at-risk kids; and installing important guardrails in how funds are used and spent."

Representative Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) highlighted further investments: “We also delivered record per-pupil funding of $10,050 including $321 million for school mental health and safety; expanded pre-K through the Great Start Readiness Program; and a 25% increase for at-risk students. While challenges remain this budget reflects our shared responsibility to protect the well-being of every resident and build a Michigan where all can live with dignity opportunity and hope.”

The education budget includes several other allocations:

- $248.1 million is set aside for free breakfast and lunch for 1.4 million public school students.

- A 4.6% increase in base per-pupil funding adds $442 per student.

- $122 million supports efforts to boost literacy rates.

- $657 million is allocated toward expanding free pre-K access.

- The state’s 28 community colleges will receive $375 million.

- University operations are supported with $1.8 billion.

- Recruitment and retention bonuses totaling $203 million aim to address teacher shortages.

- Other investments include increased support for mental health services ($321 million), academically at-risk students ($274 million), special education ($190.9 million), career education ($142 million), transportation ($125 million), before/after-school programs ($75 million), and partnership district oversight ($6.1 million).

Stakeholders from higher education institutions praised these measures. Daniel Hurley from the Michigan Association of State Universities stated: “The Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) commends Governor Whitmer and state lawmakers for coming together across party lines to champion higher education in Michigan... It represents meaningful progress toward more stable sustained funding for higher education.”

Brandy Johnson from the Michigan Community College Association added: “Michigan’s community and tribal colleges applaud this budget for sustaining critical student scholarships like the Community College Guarantee... These investments keep higher education within reach... ensuring more residents can earn skills needed...”

Tonya Whitehead from Michigan PTA said: “This budget makes meaningful investments in Michigan’s students — from continued free meals to mental-health supports — and that’s worth celebrating... Public funds should continue to strengthen our public schools...”

Erin Skene-Pratt from Michigan After School Partnership highlighted afterschool program investments: “This investment... reflects a clear understanding that learning doesn’t end when the school day does... giving every child—no matter their ZIP code—the chance to learn grow and thrive.”

Jennifer Tuksal from Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools thanked lawmakers: “By putting aside their political differences our elected leaders ensured that no child in Michigan starts the school day hungry...”