Senate Bill 1: The Mid-Michigan Youth Opportunity Act

 

Formal Senate Version

 

A BILL

To enhance educational and economic opportunities for youth in Michigan’s 35th Senate District by providing funding for teacher retention, vocational training, and mental health support, ensuring equitable access to resources without increasing taxpayer burden; all to prepare the next generation for success.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

 

Section 1. Short Title

This act may be cited as the “Mid-Michigan Youth Opportunity Act.”

 

Section 2. Purpose

To address the youth education crisis in the 35th Senate District by:  

(a) Allocating $50 million over five years to hire and retain teachers, expand vocational programs, and bolster mental health services.  

(b) Ensuring no new taxes by leveraging state surpluses and federal education grants.  

(c) Preparing students for local jobs and resilient futures.

 

Section 3. Definitions

(a) “35th District” refers to Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties.  

(b) “Youth Fund” means the Mid-Michigan Youth Opportunity Fund established herein.  

(c) “Vocational Programs” include trade skills training (e.g., manufacturing, construction) aligned with regional industries.

 

Section 4. Mid-Michigan Youth Opportunity Fund

(a) Establishes the “Mid-Michigan Youth Opportunity Fund” with:  

   - $25 million from state budget surplus (FY 2026).  

   - $25 million from federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants, leveraging Michigan’s $1.9 billion allocation (per Michigan.gov, 2024).  

(b) Funds shall be allocated over 5 years (2026-2030) for:  

   - $20 million: Teacher recruitment and retention (e.g., signing bonuses, salary supplements).  

   - $15 million: Vocational program expansion (e.g., dual-enrollment trades at Delta College, Midland High).  

   - $15 million: Mental health support (e.g., 50 new counselors, crisis training).  

(c) Michigan Department of Education (MDE) shall distribute funds based on district need assessments.

 

Section 5. Teacher Recruitment and Retention

(a) Provides $20 million for:  

   - Signing bonuses ($5,000) for new teachers in high-need areas (e.g., Saginaw Public Schools).  

   - Annual retention stipends ($2,000) for teachers with 3+ years in the 35th District.  

(b) Targets shortage areas: math, science, special education; per MDE’s 2024 shortage list.

 

Section 6. Vocational Program Expansion

(a) Allocates $15 million to:  

   - Expand trade programs in high schools and community colleges (e.g., welding, automotive at Bay City Central).  

   - Fund 500 dual-enrollment slots annually with local employers (e.g., Dow in Midland).  

(b) Prioritizes skills for 35th District industries; manufacturing, healthcare, construction.

 

Section 7. Mental Health Support

(a) Provides $15 million for:  

   - Hiring 50 licensed counselors (1 per 500 students) across Bay, Midland, and Saginaw districts.  

   - Training teachers in trauma-informed care and building on Michigan’s 2023 HB 6058 pilot.  

(b) Ensures access in rural Bay County and high-poverty Saginaw areas.

 

Section 8. Public Oversight

(a) Creates a “35th District Youth Council” (5 members: 2 elected parents, 1 Bay educator, 1 Midland educator, 1 Saginaw educator) to oversee fund use and report annually to the Senate.  

(b) Council meetings shall be public, with online access.

 

Section 9. Funding Assurance

(a) No new taxes or fees shall be levied to support this act.  

(b) MDE shall pursue additional federal grants (e.g., ESSA’s $1.2 billion Title IV funds) to supplement the Youth Fund.

 

Section 10. Effective Date

This act takes effect upon passage and signature by the Governor, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026.