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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina s congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Myorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Teachers Call on Snyder to Make Education a Priority

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Tuesday, January 14, 2014   

LANSING, Mich. – Michiganders will have the chance to hear Gov. Rick Snyder sum up the past year and lay out his top priorities for 2014 this week, but educators don't give him high marks when it comes to serving the state's children.

Doug Pratt, spokesman for the Michigan Education Association, says it's true the Snyder administration did increase funding for early-childhood education, but he says that money was taken out of the K-through-12 School Aid Fund.

"Investing in our preschoolers shouldn't come at the expense of our kindergarteners, Pratt says. “It's time the governor and other lawmakers in Lansing value all levels of education.”

After years of budget cuts, Michigan is expected to have a surplus of nearly one billion dollars for the coming year, with much debate expected over how best to allocate those funds.

Snyder will give his State of the State address on Thursday, and will unveil his budget proposal in early February.

While some lawmakers are calling for tax rebates for Michiganders, Pratt says he believes the budget surplus offers a golden opportunity to invest in the state's future – its children.

"Put kids before CEOs,” he says. “Put preschoolers before profits. Roll back unaccountable tax giveaways for the rich to help pay for greater access to proven Pre-K programs, and invest in every level of public education. "

Snyder has said it's too soon to talk about any specific proposals, and that lawmakers must exercise long-term thinking when it comes to the budget.





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