By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
East Lansing, MI – East Lansing, MI (MPRN) - Two state representatives took questions from their peers Thursday about a set of bills that would force some of Michigan's troubled schools to close.
Republicans and Democrats agreed fixing Michigan's education system is a bi-partisan issue.
But lawmakers on both sides expressed concern with the bills that would give control of the failing schools to an education reform czar.
State Representative Tim Melton sponsors the legislation.
Melton says high school dropouts earn almost $10,000 less annually than people who have a diploma, and are twice as likely to go to prison.
He says he feels guilty for letting the problems with Michigan's schools linger on for so long.