Michigan Governor Whitmer is seeking savings from the state’s teacher retirement system in order to avoid cuts and support other school priorities.

Her budget plan would reduce state contributions to the shared retirement system, freeing up $670 million that could be invested into classrooms. However, Republicans have blasted the proposal as a “raid” on the teacher pension system, according to Bridge Michigan, which is underfunded by almost $30 billion.

They say the governor’s plan could jeopardize long-promised benefits for retired educators.

Because so much federal and state surplus funding has run out, Whitmer’s school aid proposal is $849 million smaller than last year’s signed version, which means her plan to free up the $670 million could be very important for funding local schools having to force spending cuts.

Bridge Michigan says Whitmer also wants to expand free preschool access to all families and create a tuition-free community college guarantee for Michigan graduates.