Holland Reporter

Matt Hall, State Representative of Michigan, announced that the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Education Budget will increase per-student funding by 20% over the Senate plan, reaching $12,000 per pupil. The statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Our FY26 Education Budget delivers a historic 20% MORE per student than the MI Senate Dems plan, raising the foundation allowance to $12,000 per pupil," said Hall, State Representative from Michigan. "Michigan students deserve this investment—and Michigan House Republicans delivered."

According to Michigan Advance, budget negotiations for Michigan’s FY26 education funding remain contentious. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a $21.2 billion School Aid Fund and increases in per-student funding. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are advocating for even higher K-12 appropriations, leaving school districts uncertain as the July 1 deadline approaches.

As reported by the Michigan College Access Network, Michigan’s FY26 budget proposal raises per-pupil funding to $10,000—an increase of $392 from last year and marking the highest level in state history. Additional increases are planned for school mental health and safety grants.

The Senate Fiscal Agency reports that Michigan House Republicans are pushing for a per-student funding rate of $10,025 for FY26 by reallocating $1.2 billion from reserves. In contrast, the Senate’s plan increases per-pupil aid more cautiously, highlighting different funding approaches between legislative bodies.

According to Ballotpedia, Matt Hall is the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives. He previously served as House Minority Leader and is known for his work on government transparency, K-12 funding equity, and school safety. Hall has a background in law and oversight.