Investing in public education is investing in our future

Michigan is struggling to retain teachers. A recent study outlines how teachers are exiting the profession at an alarming rate, especially in the high-demand field of special education. Teacher shortages are intensified in Michigan’s urban and rural areas, disproportionately affecting high-poverty communities and students of color.

As Vice President of East Lansing’s School Board, I serve my district and I’m a state-wide advocate for public education. We need real change. We need to invest in our educators. We must invest in our schools.

That’s why I’m supporting Invest in MI Kids — a ballot proposal and constitutional amendment that would bring in over $1 billion each year for Michigan public schools. It would place a modest 5% surcharge on joint filers making over $1 million in income ($500,000 if filing individually). Every dollar raised would be constitutionally protected and dedicated exclusively to classroom use, including hiring and retaining teachers, reducing class sizes and expanding career and technical education.

Don’t be fooled – the median income for self-employed individuals running their own incorporated business is under $52,000 according to the Small Business Administration. This surcharge on individuals (not on businesses) would affect less than 1% of Michigan residents, yet would make a measurable difference in our educational system. As a small business owner myself, I know strong schools make stronger communities and a well-educated workforce.

Even in a district flush with resources, I see firsthand how our educators and support staff go above and beyond daily in a sorely underfunded and devalued system. While our state-level per pupil stipend is finally above $10,000, we are still below the national average. We need to do better for our kids.

This initiative is a people-powered movement, a true grassroots effort in support of Michigan schools that’s been in motion since 2018. Our coalition includes students, educators, community members, and small business owners, working tirelessly to gather signatures in support so we can get this proposal on the ballot in November 2026.

School funding in Michigan relies on state and federal sources. Much of our federal funding has recently been cut. Additionally, we cannot rely on property taxes (which vary widely from district to district) or the lottery. While the lottery is an important contributor, the funding makes up only 6% of our school aid fund.

It just makes sense. We live in the wealthiest country in history, yet we are experiencing historic income inequality, highlighted by the disparity in property tax revenue as a source of school funding. We know that when we invest in education, we invest in the future.

Public education fosters critical thinking, social cohesion and civic engagement and is fundamental to individual development, economic stability, and a healthy democracy.

When schools thrive, so do property values. A well-educated community is good for growth.

Investing in Michigan schools is a long-overdue step. Let’s show our teachers and kids they’re worth investing in. Michigan State Board of Education, Detroit Federation of Teachers, Michigan PTA, and many school boards and small business owners across the state have endorsed this initiative.

Invest in MI Kids gives us a path to a better state.

For more information on this ballot proposal, where to sign, and how to get involved, go to InvestInMiKids.org.

Tali Faris-Hylen

Faris-Hylen serves as vice president on the East Lansing Board of Education and co-owns Ripple Public Relations. She is a member of the Invest In MI Kids campaign team and has personally collected over 2,000 signatures.