UPDATE: A revised conference report for pre-k through grade 12 appropriations for FY2021 passed both chambers this afternoon. Only one change was made – adding to MDE general education funding a $4.7-million reappropriation that had been left out of the original conference report.
Facing a difficult budget year, lawmakers spared public schools to the extent possible. While most state agencies saw budget cuts that averaged around 5%, MAEP funding for 2020-2021 is about $37-million, or 1.65%, less than the appropriation for the 2019-2020 year. The cut to the MAEP was mitigated in part by ending the much-maligned School Recognition Program and pumping those dollars into the MAEP, which funds teachers and classrooms statewide. The conference report for HB 1700 also provides: