News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
91.7FM Alpena and WCML-TV Channel 6 Alpena are off the air. Click here to learn more.

MI Court of Appeals hears arguments in tax dollars to nonpublic schools case

flickr user: mike cohen
/
https://flic.kr/p/27Zj6KT

A state law that allows tax dollars to go to private and parochial schools is making its way through the courts. The Michigan Court of Appeals heard arguments in the lawsuit against the state today.

Multiple public school organizations are suing the state. They say a 20-16 law to give five (m) million dollars to nonpublic schools over two years is unconstitutional.

That money was supposed to be distributed, but a judge froze the payments until the case is sorted out.

Daniel Korobkin is with the ACLU of Michigan.

“Public funding needs to be reserved for public schools.”

Supporters of the law say it’s about treating all kids – no matter where they go to school – equally. The money is intended to reimburse private schools for costs they incur as a result of state mandates. No word yet on when the Court of Appeals will make its decision.