A version of this column originally appeared in The Alpena News.
There is no question that access to a quality education helps students to achieve their full potential, build a brighter future for themselves and make positive contributions to their communities.
And, yet, Michigan has gone from being one of the top states in the country for educational outcomes to one of the lowest as a result of years of disinvestment. In fact, Michigan was ranked 42nd–among the bottom 10 states in the country–in education in the most recent national KIDS COUNT® Data Book. And, from 2019 to 2022, the percentages of fourth graders not proficient in reading and eighth graders not proficient in math increased–going from 68% to 72% and 69% to 75% respectively. That is roughly 3 in 4 Michigan students that are not proficient in reading or math at these grade levels.
While it’s clear that more must be done on the education front here in Michigan, there is reason to be hopeful, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature have made some significant strides over the past two budget cycles to make stronger investments in students with an important eye toward equity.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 bipartisan education budget recently signed by the governor includes many positive things that we here at the Michigan League for Public Policy are celebrating, including the largest increase in per-pupil spending in Michigan’s history; a heavier weight in the school funding formula for students from low-income backgrounds, English-language learners and students with disabilities; support for teacher recruitment and retention; and investments in wraparound supports for students, with a focus on addressing opportunity gaps.
Of course, one of the biggest education budget wins from our perspective here at the League is the heavier weight in the school funding formula, which includes a $13.3 million increase–totaling $39.8 million–for students learning English and a $140.3 million increase in special education funding, which will provide 100% of the foundation allowance amount–up from 75% in the current year–to schools serving students with disabilities. The budget also makes history, as Michigan becomes one of the first 10 states to enact an opportunity index, which will result in stronger investments–with a goal of meeting 35% to 47% of the foundation allowance amount–in the public education of students who are academically at-risk in school districts with high concentrations of poverty. For this year, the budget includes a $204.5 million increase–totaling $952 million–to meet this purpose. The League has long advocated for a true weighted school funding formula to help address the current deep disparities in educational outcomes in Michigan, and the state’s latest budget agreement brings Michigan one step closer to achieving this.
Another bright spot in the state’s most recent budget agreement is the $160 million investment to provide free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan–a move that will help combat food insecurity in the state, while also supporting Michigan families with low incomes and helping students to receive the nutrition they need for better health and greater academic achievement.
While there is much to celebrate in the FY 2024 education budget, it’s important that we keep this momentum going. As a new budget cycle begins again this October, our state leaders must continue to build on these strong investments and continue to look for new, innovative ways to ensure all students in Michigan–regardless of race, place or income–have access to the support they need to be successful in school.
Jay Cutler joined the League in March 2026 as the Kids Count Senior Data Analyst, where he collects, analyzes, and prepares data for Kids Count in Michigan.
Danielle Taylor-Basemore joined the League as the Development Data and Stewardship Coordinator in June 2025. She brings with her five years of nonprofit experience with a special focus on community engagement, data visualization and strategic programming. Prior to joining the League, Danielle served as the Business District, Safety, and Digital Manager at Jefferson East, Inc.
Scott Preston is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy, where he leads the organization’s immigration and criminal justice reform portfolios. In the three years prior to joining the League, Scott facilitated the Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaborative and managed a small business economic development program at Global Detroit. His work included launching Michigan’s first Refugee Film Festival and building on a trusted connector model that linked marginalized communities with crucial resources. Scott’s work at the League is informed by his background in journalism and research. He spent four years covering the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East for publications such as The Economist, and later worked with unaccompanied refugee minors through Samaritas. Scott holds a master’s degree in international migration and public policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Kate Powers joined the League as the Chief Development Officer in February 2025. Prior to joining the League, Kate held leadership positions at many Michigan nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the COO and Chief Development Officer of Ele’s Place. Kate has spent the bulk of her career in fundraising, with a short stint in the state Legislature as a legislative aide to members in both chambers. Kate is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and has a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Additionally, Kate served on the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and is a past President of the Junior League of Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and her son and saving outfit of the day and home decor ideas on Pinterest. 
Nicholas Hess joined the League as the Fiscal Policy Analyst in September of 2024. In this role, Nicholas focuses on tax policy, government revenue, and their impact on working families and racial equity, including the effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Nicholas values the role that judicious fiscal policy can play in the improvement of people’s lives and the economy, alleviating inequities along the way.
Audrey Matusz joined the League as the Visual Communications Specialist in September 2024. She supports the team with implementing social media strategies and brainstorming creative ways to talk about public policy. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in producing digital products for evidence-based social justice initiatives. 
Jacob Kaplan 
Donald Stuckey 
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
