LANSING, MI - State Representatives Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge), Andy Schor (D-Lansing), and Tom Cochran (D-Mason) introduced legislation to raise minimum per-pupil funding from $50 to the original Executive recommendation of $83. They were joined by Lansing School Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul and Okemos School Superintendent Dr. Catherine Ash at the Capitol on September 2nd.

The group made their case that other schools were already receiving $83 per-pupil, and that providing the proper funding for local area schools to educate their students is their primary goal.

"The Governor, at the beginning of this budget process set $83 as a floor and we want to take any communities like Okemos or the City of East Lansing that only receive $50 per-pupil and we want to take them up to that $83 level," explained Singh. "Even though they are receiving a per-pupil increase, the additional expenses the state put on them including retirement increases as well as health care increases make it so they're actually losing money as compared to the previous year, and we wanted to bring attention to that fact."

The group expects bipartisan support for the legislation, and will continue to move forward with it throughout the school year. They noted that it being the first day of school, it was a perfect time to begin their campaign.

"An investment in education for our kids is an investment in Michigan's future," Cochran added. "Because an educated workforce is a strong workforce that will attract business, retail talent, and offer new opportunities to Michigan's citizens."