The Michigan Supreme Court will decide whether to take a case to determine whether it’s ever appropriate for state money to go to private and parochial schools. Michigan public school groups and the ACLU are challenging budget bills that were approved by Republican legislatures and then-Governor Rick Snyder. They allow a small amount of money to reimburse private schools for some expenses.
Dan Korobkin (kuh-ROB’-kin) of the ACLU says that’s not allowed under the Michigan Constitution. The constitution has a provision that says public funds can’t go to private schools.
“We shouldn’t be diverting tax dollars away from the public schools. We should be investing in our public schools to make sure a quality education is available to all children.”
Korobkin notes Michigan voters have also rejected a plan to allow school vouchers. He says that suggests the Legislature should back off plans to send state funds to private schools.