Governor Signs School Vote Ed Ban
New Law Prohibits Voter Education by Public Schools
Last week, Governor Rick Snyder signed Senate Bill 571 into law, despite calls for a veto from school leaders, local government leaders, editorial boards and others – including The Education Trust-Midwest.
Passed on the last day of the 2015 legislative session, the bill included a last-minute amendment that significantly restricts the ability for school districts, district officials, and other municipal entities from communicating about local ballot initiatives. This includes school millages and bonds and prohibits communications during the 60 days before an election.
We believe that this law will have a chilling effect on the ability of Michigan families to make informed decisions about issues impact their schools and communities. In his signing letter, Governor Snyder asked for clarifying legislation to address the issues raised by us and many others.
DPS Closures Continue
Closures continue at 19 Detroit Public Schools today, due to a high volume of teacher absences. On Monday, nearly five dozen DPS schools were closed. According to the Detroit Free Press teachers are protesting a range of issues related to working conditions.
Capitol Update
State Board of Education meets today at 9:30 a.m., Ladislaus B. Dombrowski Board Room, Fourth Floor, Hannah Building. The agenda is available here. Click here for a live stream of the meeting.
The State House of Representative and State Senate return to Lansing tomorrow, January 13 to open the 2016 legislative session.
