DETROIT — Detroit could get up to $348 million for public school makeovers if President Barack Obama’s jobs plan — already controversial — is adopted, according to the Detroit Free Press.
As part of a $450 billion package, Obama called for some $25 billion for K-12 school upgrades, saying that would create construction jobs while also benefiting students, the Free Press reported. Detroit is fourth on the list of the nation’s largest and highest-need schools under the president’s plan, according to the Free Press.
The money could go to repair, renovation, “greening,” energy efficiency, asbestos abatement, and science, technology and computer upgrades, the Free Press reported.
Obama also proposed $35 billion to protect and restore teacher and first responder jobs; the Free Press reported that Michigan could receive up to $945.5 million in that category.
The plan is likely to face significant opposition in Congress, where some say more government spending is not the solution to unemployment, the Free Press reported.
“Putting the federal government in the business of school construction will only lead to higher costs and more regulations,” Rep. John Kline, R-Minnesota, said, according to the Free Press.
The American Federation of Teachers supports the plan, according to the Free Press.
SOURCE:
Detroit Free Press, “White House: Detroit would get $348M to upgrade schools under Obama jobs plan,” Sept. 12, 2011
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “Edujobs Fact Check,” Aug. 8, 2010
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Spend $25 Billion to Fix It,” Sept. 13, 2011
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