LANSING, Mich. — A study released earlier this year by the school finance research foundation says statewide infrastructure needs for schools add up to more than $20 billion.
- Michigan schools face more than $20 billion in infrastructure needs, according to a recent study.
- Both House Republicans and Senate Democrats have proposed one-time funding plans to address critical school infrastructure.
- Local districts may still need to rely on property tax requests for future infrastructure projects.
WATCH: Michigan lawmakers consider competing plans for school infrastructure funding
I spoke with Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema in April about these infrastructure needs.
"When I say the basics, we're talking about roofs, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing—things we need in schools to keep them operational," Mellema said.
We've been covering how local school districts are asking neighbors to pay for infrastructure projects through property taxes, and how some of those ballot requests have failed. But now, a different kind of proposal could be on the way.
"We're just trying the best we can to throw some money at trying to fix some critical needs and infrastructure," GOP state Representative Tim Kelly said.
The House Republicans' plan allows for $286.5 million in one-time funding—competitive grants for infrastructure projects, to reduce class sizes, and support literacy.
Meanwhile, the Senate Democrats' plan allows for $350 million in one-time funding for school infrastructure projects.
In a statement, Senate Democrats said, "We must give schools the resources they need to say yes to strong academic programs and safe facilities. Yes, to electives and functioning plumbing. Yes, to teachers and the tools they need to teach."
Since both sides call for one-time funding, it would then be back to local schools to decide how to pay for projects, unless state leaders decide to somehow replenish state money for school infrastructure projects.
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