L’ANSE — State Rep. Jenn Hill addressed issues such as homelessness, internet access and funding in the upcoming state House budget at a meeting with constituents in L’Anse Saturday morning.
Hill, D-Marquette, represents the House’s 109th District, which includes Baraga County after 2020’s redistricting. The district also includes Marquette and Alger counties, and the eastern two-thirds of Dickinson County.
Hill spoke about the benefits the proposed House budget would have for K-12 schools.
It would fully fund special education costs, filling a gap that had previously been filled by local districts, Hill said. It also includes universal school breakfast and lunch, which Hill said could get rid of the stigma surrounding students getting free meals.
“That’s going to take workers, which is a challenge, and increasing the capacity of our communities, but we know we’re going to do that,” she said.
The proposed budget also includes $300 million for mental health, and another $300 million for early literacy.
The per-pupil foundation amount, which determines how much state aid districts get, will go up 4% next year, Hill said. The gap is being closed with wealthier areas with higher property taxes, which had received higher foundation grants.
A $150 million school transportation fund would help alleviate problems with rural districts. To help get kids back on track after COVID, another $300 million program would fund after-school programs and summer programs.
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