Dive Brief:
- The Michigan Senate votes (26-12) to approve a bill that halts welfare payments to families if they have a child under the age of 16 that has missed too much school.
- The bill already passed in the House, and is expected to pass again with the Senate tweaks, at which point it will go to Governor Rick Synder's desk.
- Republicans, who represent the majority of the Senate, say the bill aims to keep children in school. Democrats, on the other hand, argue that its unreasonable to penalize an entire family because of a child's attendance record.
Dive Insight:
The bill also punishes students over 16 who fail to attend school. They are denied welfare and cash assistance as well. Two democratic senators tried to ease the penalties, however, their suggestions were defeated. An issue with this bill is it zeros in on the symptoms and not the cause. Proponents say keeping children in school will provide greater avenues out of poverty.