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LANSING – Following up on their pledge to strengthen Michigan's schools, House Democrats today passed a School Aid Fund budget that will increase financial support for the state's lowest-funded districts, allowing them to hire more teachers in high-demand subjects such as math and science, keep class sizes low and invest in Michigan's students and prepare them for the good-paying jobs of the 21^st century.

"Detroit has the largest public school district in the state," said State Representative Coleman A. Young II (D-Detroit). "House Democrats have worked very hard to make sure our students aren't pushed aside. If our children are going to succeed in the global marketplace, we need to give them the tools they need to compete for jobs. Offering them this kind of solid educational foundation will set them on the road to success."

Under the House Democrats' plan, schools currently receiving the lowest payments would be brought in line with higher-funded districts through increases in equity payments. The equity payments would be based on how much each district currently receives – schools that receive $8,433 or more per student will see a $48-per-pupil increase in funding, while districts that receive $7,108 per student will receive a $96-per-pupil increase. School districts currently receiving payments in between these levels will receive an increase between $48 and $96 based on a sliding scale.

The Detroit City School District will receive a total payment of more than $8 million dollars. In State Representative Bert Johnson's (D-Detroit) district, Hamtramck Public Schools will receive $272,418 and Highland Park City Schools will receive $228,128.

"This will ensure that students who work hard in school, no matter what their ZIP code, will have the chance to pursue a higher education," Johnson said. "Our students should get the same opportunities a student attending an exclusive school in the suburbs."