State Rep. Aaron Miller praised bipartisan passage of the House budget for the coming fiscal year last week, noting every school in St. Joseph and Cass counties will receive the maximum per-pupil increase in state funding.

Miller, R-Sturgis, who serves as chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State Police, said all schools in the 59th House District will receive a $120 per-student increase.

“We have identified key areas to increase in the budget, and K-12 education will now be funded at the highest level in Michigan’s history,” Miller, who was a teacher before becoming a member of the House, said. “Classrooms in Cass and St. Joseph counties will benefit from our improving economy with the maximum student foundation increase. We are working hard to ensure that schools are well-funded and children are getting a quality education.”

Miller said in addition to schools, the budget is investing in areas important to hard-working families throughout the state.

“We are making strategic investments in Healthy Kids Dental, public safety and protecting our valuable natural resources,” he said. “At the same time we are funding programs and services that safeguard our most vulnerable residents – seniors, veterans and those in need of mental health care.”

The budget bills now go to the Senate for consideration.