LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) voted today to increase funding for Tuscola and Huron schools to help ensure that our students receive the education they need to compete for good-paying jobs in today's global workforce. The plan, which now goes to the governor to be signed in to law, also includes $75,000 each for Huron and Tuscola school districts to help students prepare for jobs in the rapidly expanding renewable energy industry.
"We have to make sure that our children receive the high quality education they need to prepare them for the complex demands of working in today's global economy," said Brown, who worked in local schools for more than two decades before becoming a legislator and is a member of the House Education Committee. "We all know the days of walking out of high school and into a good-paying job are over. By giving our educators the tools and resources they need to make sure our kids can compete against the rest of the world, we're ensuring the success of our young people, our businesses and our state."
Brown voted to increase per-pupil funding for Huron and Tuscola schools to give educators the tools and resources necessary to give our kids the top-notch education they deserve and to help districts prevent teacher layoffs. Strengthening our schools will also help bring new families to the area.
All Tuscola County schools will receive an increase of $112 per pupil in the coming school year. About two-thirds of Huron County schools will also get a $112 increase, which is the maximum additional payment possible. Those districts include Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker, Harbor Beach, Bad Axe, North Huron and Ubly. All other Huron schools will get an increase of at least $56 per student.
Brown also secured $75,000 for Huron and Tuscola Intermediate School Districts each to provide engineering and science programs conducted in partnership with local renewable energy facilities such as wind farms and biomass or ethanol plants.
"Huron and Tuscola are two of only four school districts in the entire state to receive money for this pilot project," Brown said. "This is more confirmation that we are Michigan's leader in the emerging renewable energy industry; we need to keep investing in empowering our young people to lead the way."