Holland Reporter

State Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland) today voted against the Democrat state budget, which included a 90% cut to mental health and school safety funding and a complete phasing out of the Michigan Tuition Grant.

The Democrats’ new budget cuts school safety and mental health grant funding by more than $300 million, leaving just $26.5 million to help schools fund resource officers, mental health services, and other critical programs that protect kids across the state.

Democrats also eliminated funding for the School Safety and Mental Health Commission created following the horrific shooting at Oxford High School to help identify best practices for schools to address behavioral, physical, and mental health needs.

“Our local schools are also seeing their school safety and mental health funding dramatically slashed by more than 90%,” DeBoer said during a speech on the House floor. “We cannot wait for another tragedy to happen to continue funding school safety and mental health support. Our actions and support for student safety must be continuous and proactive to prevent future devastating events.”

DeBoer also expressed concerns about how the elimination of the Michigan Tuition Grant could impact local students aspiring to attend Hope College in her home district.

The Michigan Tuition Grant provides critical financial support that allows students across the state to pursue higher education at independent colleges and universities.

“These students are future leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and innovators. But there won’t be any more of those future leaders when the program is closed down,” DeBoer said.

DeBoer also noted that every House district in Michigan is home to an independent, non-profit college that will be negatively impacted by the elimination of future grants.

The new state budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 was pushed through the House early this morning in two party-line votes.