Holland Reporter

Matt Hall, state representative of Michigan, said Democratic budget cuts endangered student security and announced new House bills aimed at restoring school safety funds. The statement was made on X.

"Democrats gutted school safety funding by a staggering 92," said Hall, District 42. "Jeopardizing our students' security. That's unacceptable. Safety isn't negotiable."

In 2024, Michigan lawmakers approved a state budget that significantly reduced school safety funding by 92%, decreasing allocations from $50 million to just $4 million. According to the New York Post, the $83 billion budget was passed by Democrats with only 45 minutes of review time for Republicans, who criticized the reallocation of funds to what they labeled as "pork projects." Despite this reduction, the budget allocated $19 billion to education overall, including $200 million for free school meals.

The substantial reduction in Michigan’s school safety funding for 2024 marked a significant departure from previous support levels. Analysis of state appropriations indicates that this cut raised concerns among educators and law enforcement officials, who warned it could limit access to threat assessment programs, security personnel, and mental health resources. Critics argue that the reduction undermines school preparedness and safety efforts across the state.

Michigan’s current school safety funding now falls below national averages following the 92% cut in 2024. While many states have increased investments in safety infrastructure after high-profile school shootings, Michigan’s reduced funding risks placing it among the lowest tiers nationally. Policy experts have warned that this gap could leave schools under-resourced compared to national standards for crisis prevention and emergency readiness.

Hall is a Republican who has served in the Michigan House of Representatives since 2019 and was elected Speaker of the House in 2025. According to Wikipedia, he previously chaired the Oversight and Tax Policy Committees and served as House Minority Leader. Hall is known for his conservative stance on taxes, fiscal restraint, and government accountability, playing a key role in shaping the Republican legislative agenda.