State Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville, issued the following statement regarding the Democrats’ School Aid Supplemental attempts to restore school safety and mental health funding that they slashed by 92% in the budget signed earlier this year:

“This is a half-baked attempt at restoring the safety and mental health funding that they drastically diminished just a few months ago.

“School districts across Michigan, including those in our West Michigan communities, will still lose millions of dollars in critical funding under the plan they put forth today. School resource officers and counselors will be laid off, despite the vital role they play in the lives of students and the overall safety of our classrooms, putting kids at greater risk for harm.”

“As a parent, protecting the wellbeing of kids is among my top priorities. While I am disappointed in this plan, I believe that some restored funding is better than none, so I cast my vote in support. Even though it’s not good enough, I have to do what’s best for the kids in my community.”

###