MI House taps 2010 stimulus funding for schools

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan House has voted to tap federal stimulus money set aside for next year to soften a cut in school funding now.

By a vote of 74-29, a majority of House members said Thursday the $184 million needs to be used this year so schools won't face an additional cut of $127 per student ordered by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Schools could avoid all but $10 of the cut under legislation headed to the Senate.

Schools still will see their funding drop by the equivalent of $165 per student.

The bill would restore half of the $52 million cut from wealthier school districts, while spending the same amount - $25.7 million - to increase funding for districts at the low end of the scale.

Some early childhood money also was restored.