Several key Lansing-area Democrats say almost a billion dollars in state education funding should be restored to Michigan schools. A trio of aspiring state representatives gathered Tuesday in Lansing to criticize Republican legislators and Governor Rick Snyder for what they call an "assault" on education.
Tom Cochran is a candidate in the 67th House district.
"This could be done in a very collaborative manner, trying to fund stable funding," he says. "And as far as efficiencies in the schools, we've already cut whatever fat there might have been. And now we're into the bone."
Democrats say school funding cuts helped majority Republicans to lower state business taxes by more than a billion dollars.
Cochran's Republican opponent Jeff Oesterle also says he favors more money for education, but not before job growth beefs up state revenue.
Cochran was joined by fellow Democratic candidates Andy Schor and Theresa Abed.