A state bill that will return nearly $600 million to public schools was signed into law by state officials last week.
House Bill 5803, sponsored by State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) permanently lowers the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System fund contribution rate, freeing up millions for Northville, Plymouth-Canton and Livonia schools to put dollars back into classrooms and teacher’s salaries.
Koleszar said he was proud to see his bill that puts his community’s local students and teachers first be signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“When teachers are in charge, we get things done. I know from conversations with the students and educators in this district that years of overpayment into the retirement fund has taken a real toll on our school’s resources. This is fiscally responsible legislation that empowers our schools to put their funding towards what matters most — students,” said Koleszar, chair of the House Education Committee.
“Northville, Plymouth-Canton and Livonia schools are full of bright minds and dedicated educators. As a teacher-turned-legislator, I am beyond happy to get this legislation across the finish line to equip our schools with the funds they need for our students to succeed.”
“I also want to extend my gratitude to my fellow Democratic legislators and Gov. Whitmer for their commitment to putting kids and teachers at the forefront of the work we do here in Michigan.”
Local superintendents and teachers in Koleszar’s district celebrated the direct investments into local classrooms that the new law brings, ensuring their schools have a new, stable source of funding to uplift
students.
“This is a big win for teachers across Michigan,” said Plymouth-Canton Community Schools teacher JJ Lockwood. “The permanent removal of the 3 percent teacher tax will have a real impact on my paycheck and those of my colleagues. This is why it’s nice having teachers like Matt Koleszar in Lansing to advocate for common sense changes that improve the lives of those in the classroom.”
