Citizens Research Council of Michigan

In a Nutshell Michigan’s constitution bars state aid to private schools, but the federal credit relies on private donations and federal tax dollars, so participation is generally viewed as permissible. No court or attorney general has ruled on the question. About 93 percent of Michigan school-age children would be income-eligible, but early scholarship dollars will likel...

In a Nutshell Michigan’s incoming governor and new cohort of legislators will face a GF/GP budget shortfall of at least $500 million when FY2028 budget deliberations begin next March That shortfall could grow to nearly $700 million if policymakers want to maintain existing funding covering a wage uplift for direct care workers and the operations of Certified Community Be...

In a Nutshell The October count drives the budget. Michigan’s October 7 student count makes up 90 percent of the enrollment formula that sets state aid. Districts had to adopt budgets by July 1 without knowing their fall enrollment, and sometimes without knowing their foundation grant either. Districts that overestimated enrollment will probably need to mak...