Leading states have good roads, safe water – and strong schools
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (Jan. 19, 2016) – Tonight Governor Rick Snyder detailed the many challenges facing Michigan families. As state leaders rightly focus on finding solutions for the very serious crises facing the communities of Flint and Detroit, they must also fulfill the state’s critical leadership role in providing a stronger foundation for all Michigan students.
“Yes, we have serious challenges in Michigan right now,” said Amber Arellano, executive director of the nonpartisan Education Trust-Midwest. “But we can’t turn away from Michigan’s statewide public education crisis to focus only on the most urgent issues of the moment. Leading states have good roads, clean water — and strong schools. We can, too. And we must for our state’s future.”
In his 2015 State of the State address, Snyder called on lawmakers to make critical investments to improve Michigan’s early literacy levels, which have been in rapid decline for several years. While much of that work remains unrealized, Snyder continued to recognize the need to transform Michigan into a top ten education state, announcing the creation of a 21st Century Education Commission.
“The time to invest in our students’ futures is now,” Arellano said. “We look forward to working with Governor Snyder and the 21st Century Education Commission to overcome the many challenges facing students in communities across Michigan, and together realize a brighter and stronger future.”
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The Education Trust-Midwest (ETM) promotes high academic achievement for all Michigan students at all levels – pre-kindergarten through college — with a particular focus on African American, Latino, American Indian and low-income students. As a non-partisan research, policy and advocacy organization, ETM works alongside parents, educators, policymakers, and business leaders to transform public schools into institutions that serve all students well.
