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LANSING – The House, under Democratic leadership, passed a School Aid Fund budget that will increase financial support for the state's lowest-funded districts today.

"We're doing our best to protect funding for education during these tough economic times, despite the fact that many other budgets were cut," said State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township).

Under a plan developed by House Democratic leadership, 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.

Compared to Ann Arbor Public Schools, which will receive $48 in a total foundation per-pupil increase, the Saline Area School District will receive a total foundation per-pupil increase of $89, the Dexter Community School District will receive $82, the Chelsea School District will receive $89, the Manchester Community School District will receive $92 and Whitmore Lake Public Schools will receive $96.

"I have said from the beginning that investing in education will get our economy back on track and bring good-paying jobs to Michigan," Byrnes said. "By leveling the playing field and funding our districts equally, we will prepare our children to be the leaders of tomorrow."