House Passes $617 Million Detroit Schools Plan

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan House has narrowly approved compromise legislation to restructure the Detroit Public Schools and pay off $617 million in debt.

The House approved a package of bills Thursday evening after hours of closed-door talks, voting 55-53 on the central bill in the package offering the $617 million. The package also includes a $150 million loan to help the new district transition.

Democrats were not supportive of this package but did not have the votes to block it says WWJ's Lansing Bureau chief Tim Skubick.

Democrats who voted against the legislation said the package does nothing to address central problems at the school district, while House Speaker Kevin Cotter says this will keep schools open.

The plan gives the final say on firing superintendents to the Financial Review Commission, which will also be able to approve the district's operating budget.

Democrats who voted against the legislation said the package does nothing to address central problems at the school district.

Republican House Speaker Kevin Cotter says the plan will keep the schools open, pay off debt and make sure teachers are paid.

The package now goes back to the Senate for consideration.
TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.