Groups Want Gov. Snyder To Veto Money For Private Schools

By DAVID EGGERT/Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder is being pushed to veto $2.5 million in state spending that would assist private schools with the cost of complying with state requirements like employee background checks, immunization reporting and safety drills.

Public school groups say the funding is unconstitutional. Private school advocates contend that Michigan taxpayers should start covering schools' mandated non-instructional expenses because the health and safety of all students is important.

The proposed funding is included in a $16.1 billion education budget bill that Snyder plans to sign Monday as part of the next budget. He has the authority to strike the private school money with a line-item veto.

Spokesman Ari Adler says Snyder is aware of the legal question. If he OKs the spending, he might still seek a legal opinion.

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