A bill to end cash assistance for families with truant children has cleared the state House.
The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher reports.
The Michigan Department of Human Services already cuts off welfare payments if a child persistently misses school without an excuse. The bill would put that policy into state law.
Representative Andy Schor is one of the many Democrats in the state House that voted against the bill. He says it penalizes entire families for the actions of one child.
“It could punish siblings and it could punish parents,” he says.
Supporters say the state works with families to avoid losing cash assistance. They say making sure students show up to school will help them get a better education and better jobs.