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From our State Capitol in Lansing to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, WKAR is committed to explaining how the actions of lawmakers are affecting Michiganders. Political and government reporter Abigail Censky leads this section. There are also stories from Capitol correspondents Cheyna Roth, Rick Pluta and the Associated Press. As the 2020 presidential race begins, look here for reports on the role Michigan will play in electing or re-electing the president.

House OKs Bill To Forgive Schools From Making Up Snow Days

snow and barn
Kevin Lavery
/
WKAR/MSU

Michigan school districts would not have to make up snow days that occur during state-declared emergencies under a bill advancing in the Legislature.

The House approved the measure on a 101-7 vote Wednesday. It goes to the Senate for consideration next.

The legislation is intended to address the high number of canceled schools days.

State law forgives districts from making up six days canceled for emergencies, and schools can get a waiver for three additional days. Legislators say the wintry weather has been so extreme that the law should be loosened.

The five-day period from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1 — when an arctic deep freeze shut down many normal activities, including school — would be forgiven statewide. States of emergencies also have been declared in certain counties.

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