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LANSING – Following up on their pledge to strengthen Michigan's schools, House Democrats today passed a School Aid Fund budget that will increase financial support for the state's lowest-funded districts, allowing them to hire more teachers in high-demand subjects such as math and science, keep class sizes low and invest in Michigan's students and prepare them for the good-paying jobs of the 21^st century.

"Every student deserves access to a top-notch education," said State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson). "Our rural districts deserve adequate funding so they will have the tools to compete in the global marketplace."

Under the House Democrats' plan, schools currently receiving the lowest payments would be brought in line with higher-funded districts through increases in equity payments. The equity payments would be based on how much each district currently receives – schools that receive $8,433 or more per student will see a $48-per-pupil increase in funding, while districts that receive $7,108 per student will receive a $96-per-pupil increase. School districts currently receiving payments in between these levels will receive an increase between $48 and $96 based on a sliding scale.

In Simpson's district, for instance, the Northwest School District will receive a total payment of $298,450, Eaton Rapids Public Schools will receive $274,770 and the Columbia School District will receive $162,706. Other schools in Simpson's district set to receive increases are Onsted Community Schools, East Jackson Public Schools, Grass Lake Community Schools, Hanover-Horton Schools, the Michigan Center School District and Springport Public Schools.

"House Democrats have said from the beginning that investing in education will get our economy back on track and bring the good-paying jobs of the 21^st century to Michigan," said State Representative Matt Gillard (D-Alpena), chair of the Appropriations subcommittee in charge of School Aid and Education. "Education is the great equalizer. By leveling the playing field and funding all of our districts equally, we will prepare our children to be the leaders of tomorrow."