Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0795

Introduced
3/14/24  

Caption

School aid: other; certain reading scholarships for certain eligible children; provide for. Amends sec. 11 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611) & adds sec. 34a.

Impact

If enacted, SB 795 would amend the state school aid act and create a systematic approach for disbursing funds specifically to make reading assistance accessible to those in need. The grant program empowers postsecondary institutions to determine the eligible children in their districts, and schools will be directly involved in notifying families of the scholarship availability. The program will provide a catalog of services designed to enhance reading and literacy, which parents can select for their children, creating individualized educational opportunities.

Summary

Senate Bill 795 aims to address learning loss among students in Michigan through the allocation of $55 million from the state general fund to postsecondary institutions. The bill establishes a framework for a grant program that will offer reading scholarships for eligible children, specifically targeting those who are enrolled in early grades (kindergarten through 5th grade) and are less proficient in reading. This initiative is particularly focused on supporting low-income students, children with disabilities, English language learners, and other vulnerable groups to provide essential literacy resources and improve educational outcomes.

Contention

Notably, there may be differing opinions surrounding the allocation and effectiveness of these funds. Some advocates argue that providing the necessary support for struggling readers is crucial for their long-term academic success. However, funding critics may raise concerns about the overall dependency on postsecondary institutions to allocate resources effectively and equitably. Additionally, there might be discussions regarding the sufficiency of the limited funding and administrative fees attached to the scholarships, particularly in ensuring that all eligible children benefit adequately.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB5926

School aid: supplemental; school aid supplemental; provide for. Amends secs. 11, 31aa & 99h of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds sec. 97h.

MI SB0056

School aid: supplemental; school aid supplemental; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 236 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1836) & adds sec. 201i.

MI HB4577

Appropriations: school aid; appropriations for K-12 school aid; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1617b).

MI HB5503

Appropriations: school aid; fiscal year 2024-2025 appropriations for K-12 school aid; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 31aa of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1631aa) & adds 97h.

MI SB0166

Appropriations: school aid; fiscal year 2025-2026 appropriations for k-12 school aid; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1617b).

MI HB4286

Appropriations: school aid; fiscal year 2023-2024 appropriations for K-12 school aid; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1617b).

MI HB6168

School aid: other; funding for menstrual hygiene products in schools; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 99g of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1699g).

MI SB0304

Appropriations: school aid; supplemental appropriations in the school aid act; provide for. Amends secs. 4, 6, 6a, 11, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 15, 20, 20d, 20f, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22m, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 28, 31a, 31c, 31d, 31f, 31j, 31n, 31p, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32p, 35a, 39, 39a, 41, 51a, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54b, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61i, 62, 65, 67, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 95b, 97, 97b, 97e, 98, 98c, 99h, 99s, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147a, 147b, 147c, 147e, 152a & 152b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1604 et seq.) & adds secs. 22e, 31k, 32w & 35k.

MI SB0751

Appropriations: school aid; appropriations in the school aid act for fiscal year 2024-2025; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1617b).

MI HB4415

School aid: supplemental; supplemental appropriations in the school aid act; provide for. Amends secs. 11, 31n & 97c of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds secs. 31ff, 31gg & 97g.

Similar Bills

MS SB2599

Education Scholarship Account Program; make certain changes to.

MS SB2601

Education Scholarship Account Program; make certain changes to.

MS HB1163

ESA; authorize use of a diagnosis of dyslexia as a qualifier to determine eligibility for receipt of.

MS HB1178

ESA; authorize use of a diagnosis of dyslexia as a qualifer to determine eligibility for receipt of.

MS HB1229

Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act; extend repealer on educational scholarship accounts (ESA).

MS HB679

Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act; extend repealers on education scholarship accounts (ESAs).

MS SB2686

The Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act; extend repealer.

MS HB1000

Foster and adopted children; allow foster or adoptive parent to choose school or school district of enrollment.