Waterford Today

Matt Maddock, a House Representative from Michigan, announced on X that the new education budget increases per-student funding, eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and reforms COVID-era policies.

"Our Ed Budget is a record $2,392 more per kid," said Maddock, State Representative from Michigan. "Raise to universities, more choice, phonics, ends DEI & boys in girls bathrooms. Ends COVID policies, pays down debt and sets high standards. And the Michigan Dems all vote no."

In June 2025, Michigan House Republicans introduced a $21.9 billion K-12 education budget. According to Michigan Advance, this budget increases per-pupil funding while reducing allocations for DEI initiatives, school meals, and mental health programs. The proposal raises the foundation allowance to $10,025 per student but penalizes schools that support transgender girls in girls’ sports or allow unisex bathrooms. Democrats have criticized the plan for redirecting School Aid Fund dollars without transparency.

Michigan’s fiscal year 2025 K-12 budget increases the per-pupil foundation allowance from $9,608 to $10,025—a 4.3% rise—totaling a $558 million increase in gross funding. According to an analysis by the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency, the additional funds aim to consolidate spending while removing many separate grant lines, including those for at-risk and special education students. The budget reflects a shift toward simplified distributions.

Nationwide trends show conservative-led states are adjusting education budgets to restrict DEI content while prioritizing phonics-based literacy and expanding school choice. The Education Trust Midwest reports that Michigan’s 2025 budget language curtails DEI programming and redirects literacy funding toward structured phonics instruction. This approach mirrors similar reforms in Florida, Texas, and Arkansas where state leaders are reorienting education policy around traditional curricula and parental rights.

Maddock is a Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives representing District 45 since 2016. According to Ballotpedia, he chairs the House Education Committee and has been an outspoken critic of DEI programs and government overreach in education. Maddock supports expanding school choice, increasing phonics-based reading instruction, and asserting parental control over curriculum decisions.