Michigan House OKs budget with more for at-risk students

(AP) — The Republican-led Michigan House approved a $56.7 billion budget Tuesday that includes significantly more funding for at-risk students and a modest boost in traditional state aid for K-12 districts.

The spending plan was passed on 64-43 and 72-35 votes with many Democrats in opposition.

The state would spend slightly less general fund money than in the current budget year — a point of emphasis for Republicans.

— A total of $255 million more to reduce $29 billion in unfunded liabilities in the Michigan Public School Retirees System and to transition new hires to a plan that defaults them into a 401(k)-only option unless they pay more for a costlier pension and assume more risk.

A 2015 road-funding plan drafted by Republicans increased fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees, but the plan will not be fully phased in for another three years.