Opinion | Every dollar counts: Ensuring accountability in education funding

My parents taught me something simple yet powerful: every dollar counts. I still remember sitting with them at our kitchen table, reviewing family bills, hearing them say, “Every dollar we spend isn't just money — it's trust, hard work, and responsibility.” To them, budgeting was not merely about numbers; it was about honoring and respecting the effort behind every dollar earned. 

Public budgeting isn't theoretical — it's about real tax dollars from hardworking families in Saginaw and across Michigan. My wife and I raised our two children here, and we understand firsthand how education funding shapes opportunities available to students. The decisions made in Lansing directly determine whether classrooms have adequate resources, teachers have proper support, and students receive the quality education they deserve. It's personal because these aren't just numbers — they represent the real futures of our children.

Ever since I served as Governor Engler's education policy aide, education reform and accountability have been at the heart of my public service. Now, as chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid, I'm proud to commit alongside the Speaker to historic per-pupil funding of $12,000, marking a $2,392 increase per student — the highest in Michigan's history. But this isn't about merely increasing spending; it's about ensuring these additional dollars achieve meaningful, measurable results. 

Too often, Lansing has micromanaged school budgets, limiting the ability of local schools to respond effectively to the unique challenges they face. Our budget fundamentally changes this approach, reducing restrictions and empowering local administrators — who know their students best — to allocate resources effectively. Whether it's investing in after-school tutoring, enhancing breakfast and lunch programs, strengthening safe transportation, or bolstering mental health services, local leaders will have the freedom and flexibility to tailor spending to their communities' specific needs.  

Critically, this increased funding comes with strict accountability. Each piece of the budget under my subcommittee's oversight will be rigorously reviewed, line-by-line, ensuring expenditures directly correlate with tangible outcomes like higher graduation rates, improved literacy, and better preparedness for careers. We must replace vague promises with real accountability and ensure each educational dollar is clearly justified by the results it produces. 

We're also committed to fully restoring funding for essential programs such as school safety and mental health support — funding previously cut when Democrats controlled government. Our approach doesn't just restore these vital programs; it enhances them. Schools will have the flexibility to hire resource officers, provide necessary mental health support, and address infrastructure needs without the heavy hand of restrictive, one-size-fits-all mandates from Lansing. 

Moreover, our budget eliminates wasteful, for-profit grant programs and unnecessary bureaucratic spending. These funds will instead flow directly to classrooms, supporting teachers and students, and ensuring every dollar genuinely contributes to educational advancement. 

I recognize some criticism from those concerned about fiscal responsibility, and I share that concern deeply. That's precisely why our historic funding commitment is paired with unprecedented accountability, ensuring funds are not just spent — but spent effectively and responsibly.

This approach isn't just policy — it's deeply personal. My family's aspirations mirror yours: smaller class sizes, well-supported educators, and successful students ready to thrive in their futures. Guided by the lessons from parents past, we'll ensure every educational dollar is spent wisely, responsibly, and effectively, creating a Michigan education system we can all proudly support.