Today, in response to the Senate Education Committee’s approval of legislation related to Michigan’s eligibility to qualify for “Race To the Top” funding, Rick Snyder issued the following statement:

“Once again, career politicians in Lansing have been slow out of the gates. Michigan should not have waited this long to become eligible for the ‘Race to the Top’ funding. Addressing our failing schools, providing an alternative teacher certification process, tracking teacher performance, and loosening charter school restrictions are common sense reforms necessary to improve the quality of education our students are receiving,” said Snyder. “Instead of using our students as political footballs, I urge the Governor and Legislature to swiftly enact the legislation necessary to qualify our state and provide these reforms. Continually improving and reforming our education system is essential for the long-term recovery of our state. We must have agile, forward thinking and innovative leadership working for the people of Michigan. “