(LANSING) – Michigan lawmakers unveiled a plan to ensure the safety of Michigan students as learning resumes in the fall.

State Representative Aaron Miller of Sturgis joined with Michigan House and Senate colleagues Tuesday as they announced the $1.3 billion Return To Learn Plan. It would require local school districts and health departments to work together to develop health and safety standards that are best of their unique area.

Miller, the father of three girls and a former public school teacher, says Michigan's kids need to head back to school but as we now know, the consequences of being out are all too dire. He says it can be done safely and sensibly under this plan.

Miller says schools should have the flexibility to begin instructions as quickly and safely as possible. Under the Return To Learn Plan, school districts could start whenever is best for them without obtaining a waiver to bypass Michigan's Labor Day start requirement.

The plan also provides an $800 per pupil payment to K-12 schools to implement a robust distance learning plan and health and safety measures to return students safely to the classroom. It also includes a $500 per teacher payment as hazard and overtime pay.

The plan will be referred to the House and Senate Education Committees for consideration later this week.