By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI – The state House met late Thursday night to approve an education funding plan by a narrow margin. It took several hours for Republican leaders to wrangle enough votes to approve the budget proposal that cuts funding for universities and K-12 schools. Democrats argue the cuts would hurt graduation rates and opportunities for kids.
Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Chuck Moss says Democrats' complaints don't tell the whole story on school funding.
"Now, I've heard a lot of talk about how we're destroying our education system," Moss says. "I'd just like to say something, that this budget cuts K-12, cuts School Aid by 3.5%. The School Aid Fund has gone up 14% over the last ten years."
The House budget proposal would also sanction universities that offer domestic partner benefits to their employees.
The House version of the budget must be reconciled with a Senate spending plan before it goes to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature.