By Sarah Atwood, MediaNews Group

Universal free school meals will be kept in the upcoming state budget that the Republican-led Michigan House and Democratic-controlled Senate are expected to approve this week and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is anticipated to sign, according to a letter released Wednesday.

In a letter to school superintendents, Whitmer and State Superintendent Michael Rice said the $200 million subsidy for the breakfasts and lunches would be continued.

More: No more free lunch? Whitmer urges schools not to charge families despite no K-12 budget

“The Michigan Legislature has committed to passing a balanced, bipartisan, full fiscal-yearbudget in the days ahead,” the letter read. “Republicans and Democrats have already reached a deal on key elements of the school aid bill. The

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