Republicans propose $1.3B plan to help K-12 schools reopen

Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature are proposing a $1.3 billion one-time funding boost to help K-12 schools reopen during the coronavirus pandemic. The plan unveiled Tuesday also calls for letting schools start before Labor Day without needing a waiver, redefining "attendance" to allow for online learning and reducing the number of snow day allowances so remote instruction occurs instead. The GOP proposal would increase state funding by $800 a student to implement robust distance-learning plans and to cover new health and safety measures. Teachers would each get a $500 bonus. Uncertainty remains on whether schools may still face cuts.