Governor Rick Snyder traveled to a middle school in Oakland County to sign the education budget for the coming fiscal year. He approved it despite questions over a provision that sends money to private and religious schools.
The provision reimburses schools for state mandates like fire drills, for example. But it could run afoul of a section of the state constitution that says no public money can be used to directly or indirectly support private or parochial schools.
Governor Snyder said he understands there are legal issues.
“But at this point, I thought it appropriate to move ahead and let’s address the legal questions separately.”
The legislative sponsor says he hopes this is an initial step toward allowing more state aid for private and religious schools. The American Civil Liberties Union is considering a legal challenge.