A Message from MEA President Paula Herbart

Standing together we can make a difference for our students and for all Michigan educators.

Last fall, our hard work helped to elect a governor who has fulfilled her pledge to push for a real funding increase for public education.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer can’t get that budget passed alone – as she said at our Winter Conference, we all have to put our backs into this effort.

$507 million. The largest K-12 funding increase in a generation. As part of that historic ask, the governor’s budget would increase funding and access to higher education and community colleges; triple the number of literacy coaches; provide more funding for students who need it most, including special education, low-income and at-risk children; and expand career, skills, and technical education in Michigan high schools and beyond. Whitmer’s budget stops raiding the School Aid Fund to fill potholes and makes educating Michigan’s students a top priority.

But without our help, it’s nothing more than a request. The Legislature has to pass the budget – and with two months to go before their summer recess, it’s time to act.

Will you help us?

First, we need to rekindle the #RedForEd movement that helped us win last fall.

We are asking you to work together locally to hold #RedForEd Reality Checks to engage parents, civic and community leaders, administrators, school boards, and ultimately lawmakers in a conversation about why our students need this funding increase. These Reality Checks can take many forms, but the key is doing what you do best: educating people.

Only by mobilizing a grassroots army for public education will we show the Legislature that we’re willing to fight for what our students deserve.

Then, in June, as the final budget negotiations heat up with the summer weather, we will be on the Capitol Lawn to make our collective voices heard.

Please plan now to join us on Tuesday, June 18, for a #RedforEd Rally for Public Education at the Capitol in Lansing – and, for those who are still in school, we’ll be there again the following Tuesday, June 25, to make sure lawmakers are listening. For now, save the date – more details are forthcoming.

Together, we will help Gov. Whitmer pass this budget by telling lawmakers the time is now to Value Students, Respect Educators and Fund Our Schools. Let us know you’re with us!