News Release: After ESA Veto, Gov. Whitmer and Lawmakers Encouraged to Direct Billions in Federal Resources to Students Impacted by Covid

(Lansing, Mich.) — Michigan Catholic Conference is responding to Governor Whitmer’s veto of Education Savings Account legislation today by encouraging the Governor and lawmakers to help students whose academics have been impacted by the Covid pandemic. MCC had offered its support for the ESA bills due to their ability to assist families enrolled in both public and nonpublic schools with education-related costs. MCC Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy Tom Hickson offered the following comments on the veto and encouraged lawmakers to allocate billions in unspent federal dollars toward students impacted by the pandemic:

“We are disappointed the Governor vetoed bills to create Education Savings Accounts in our state. This legislation would have helped parents and students in both public and nonpublic schools enhance their opportunities for educational success. Far too often politics is prioritized over education-related policy in order to maintain an antiquated status quo that no longer benefits families or helps students achieve greater academic outcomes. We believe parents are best qualified and best positioned to determine the type of education necessary for their own children.

“In light of the ESA veto, we are hopeful that the Governor will keep an open mind regarding future efforts to enhance education policy in the state. Lawmakers have billions in federal dollars on the table that can help countless children in Michigan who lost an entire year due to the pandemic. We encourage the Legislature and the Governor to determine thoughtfully how this funding can best be used to help families put their children on the road to educational recovery.”

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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