SE Oakland News

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt expressed disappointment following the failure to finalize a state budget by the July 1 deadline. The delay affects various sectors, with education being a primary concern for Nesbitt.

In his statement, Nesbitt emphasized the challenges faced by Michigan's educational system. "I’m disappointed we were unable to reach an agreement on a budget before the July 1 deadline, especially for our schools," he stated.

Nesbitt highlighted alarming statistics regarding student proficiency levels in key areas such as reading and math. "We are facing an education crisis in this state. Three in four fourth graders can’t read at grade level. Seventy-five percent of eighth graders aren’t proficient in math," he noted.

Comparing Michigan's performance with other states, Nesbitt criticized the current educational policies defended by Democrats. "States like Mississippi and Arkansas are lapping us. Yet Democrats continue to defend the status quo," he said, adding that "the status quo is failing Michigan children."

He called for changes in how education funds are managed, suggesting a shift away from centralized control. "Our education budget must take the money and power away from the politicians and bureaucrats in Lansing who got us into this mess and put it in the hands of our local schools."

The ongoing negotiations between legislators and Governor Gretchen Whitmer have yet to yield a resolution on this matter.