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After working late into the night Wednesday, and after an emotional debate and angry words from Democrats, the Republican-controlled state legislature approved a $617 million plan to help Detroit Public Schools pay off debt and avoid a bankruptcy filing, the Detroit News reports.
Gov. Rick Snyder hailed the bailout. Angry Democrats said it fell far short of what was really needed.
Jonathan Oosting and Chad Livengood of The Detroit News report:
Senate Republicans put up the minimum 19 votes to pass the main bill in the six-part rescue package after 11 p.m. following hours of debate, a closed-door caucus visit from Snyder and scathing criticism from Democrats who said it would not save the district from collapse.
The House signed off on Senate modifications after midnight despite protest from Democrats who chanted “shame, shame” when they were not afforded to opportunity speak on the floor. Republicans said they did not observe a proper motion for a request to speak.
Democrats are angry.
"You cowards! You damn cowards to even take up this legislation before us and our community and not even have one Detroiter in the room to help to negotiate this," said Sen. Morris Hood, D-Detroit, according to the Detroit Free Press. "These are kids I have to look at every day, but you want to make decisions about their life and tell them what kind of life they’re going to have. This is the crap you’re shoving down their throats. This is going to impact them for years."
“This arrangement is little more than a stay of execution,” said Sen. David Knezek, D-Dearborn Heights, according to the News. “Once the money runs out, and it will run out, the district will plunge back into debt and jeopardize the future of Detroit children.”
“This work represents a fresh start with more money in the classrooms for Detroit’s students, career stability for Detroit’s teachers, and fiscal accountability for all Michigan taxpayers,” Snyder said in a statement early Thursday. “This is a new day for education in Michigan’s comeback city."
