Debate over whether to drop a set of national school standards has stalled a bill to fund the Michigan Department of Education.
As The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher reports, a vote on the M-D-E budget has been delayed until next week.
The Common Core State Standards were developed by the National Governors Association as a way to evaluate schools nationwide. But many lawmakers say it’s a federal encroachment on Michigan schools.
They want to remove funding to the state Department of Education that goes toward implementing the standards.
Republican Representative Bill Rogers sits on the budget panel that’s considering the bill. He says he doesn’t have a position on the issue yet. But he says he’s glad they’re taking time to look at the facts.
“I think that’s what making members uncomfortable, is they don’t have the answers,” he says. “It’s as simple as that.”
Governor Rick Snyder has long supported the Common Core standards.
The committee is expected to vote on the bill next week.