EAST LANSING — The Michigan Education Association today praised state lawmakers for approving a supplemental education budget providing $125 million in additional funding for school safety and student mental health, as well for passing legislation permanently ending the state’s 3% tax on public school employees.

MEA President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County, said: “On behalf of educators from across the state, we applaud state Rep. Matt Koleszar and his Democratic colleagues for passing House Bill 5803 and providing permanent financial relief to teachers and school support staff. This will help keep great educators working in our neighborhood schools.”

HB 5803 eliminates the 3% retiree health insurance contributions imposed on more than 100,000 veteran educators over a decade ago by the Snyder administration. The legislation, passed by the Senate last week as Senate Bill 911, also reduces retirement payroll taxes for school districts by 5.75%, freeing up more funding for the classroom.

“The changes made in this legislation will allow school districts to invest more resources directly into helping students learn and giving them a better opportunity for success,” Madafferi said. “We look forward to this bill being signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.”

In addition to HB 5803, the House and Senate prioritized student mental health and safety by passing HB 5503, a supplemental school funding bill that amounts to more than $100 per pupil for districts to invest in these critical priorities. Reps. Regina Weiss and Angela Witwer championed this vital legislation, which was concurred on this evening in the state Senate.

“This legislation will help ensure our local schools have the resources they need to provide students with a safe, nurturing learning environment,” Madafferi said.