Governor Whitmer has signed a new budget that includes millions of dollars to help schools deal with the coronavirus pandemic, and pays for a free tuition program as well as hazard pay for teachers.

The new budget year starts Thursday.

The spending plan calls for $161-million dollars in per pupil spending to help districts in the midst of a pandemic.

Another $30 million will go to the Michigan Reconnect program to provide a tuition-free pathway for adults looking to earn a post-secondary certificate or associate degree.

$5.6 million will pay for mental health and another $5-million will be used to attract and retain first-year teachers in districts across Michigan.