Holland Reporter

Matt Hall, State Representative of Michigan, said that House Republicans are providing record school funding while ensuring local districts, rather than bureaucrats, decide spending priorities. The statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Parents don't want government bureaucrats deciding how their kids are taught or how their schools spend money," said Matthew Richard Hall, State Representative from Michigan. "Instead of Lansing dictating how it's spent, we're putting that power where it belongs: in the hands of LOCAL school districts. The Democrats continue to lie when they say we're “taking away free meals” from kids in need. We TRUST parents and local leaders to know what's best for our kids."

Michigan lawmakers are currently engaged in a budget dispute over school funding, local control, and free meals for students. A missed July 1 deadline has disrupted district planning. According to Our Midland, Republicans have proposed incorporating free meals and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs into per-pupil funding. Democrats argue this approach jeopardizes universal access to food and undermines local decision-making. Schools have warned that delays could result in staffing and program cuts at the start of the school year.

The proposed education budget for fiscal year 2025–26 in Michigan includes a 5.5% increase in per-pupil funding, raising the foundation allowance by $417 to $10,025 within a $21.9 billion K-12 plan. The House, Senate, and governor have also debated targeted increases for preschool readiness ranging from 3.8% to 4.2%. According to Michigan Advance, the House GOP budget links these funds to restrictions on DEI and school meal programs, exacerbating partisan divisions.

Michigan's new universal school meal program covers 1.4 million students and has led to a 26% rise in breakfast participation and a 20% increase in lunch participation in 2024. By comparison, the national average shows about 68.5% of lunches served free and just 3.2% at reduced price. As reported by the Michigan Department of Education, the program’s reach far exceeds national participation levels but is at risk amid ongoing budget disputes.

Hall became Speaker of the Michigan House in January 2025 after serving since 2019 in Districts 63 and 42 as a Republican from Kalamazoo County. A lawyer and former GOP caucus leader, he has chaired the Tax Policy and COVID Oversight Committees. According to Wikipedia, Hall emphasizes lowering costs for families, curbing regulation, and reshaping school funding as key aspects of his leadership.