By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI –
The state Legislature is expected to meet late into the night in a rare, Friday session. Lawmakers are trying to finalize negotiations on a package of major education reforms that would allow the state to compete for $400 million in federal funds.
State Representative Doug Geiss is on the joint House and Senate committee working on the reforms. He says everyone involved in the negotiations is confident they can reach consensus.
"The best aspect about this is it helps the children of the state of Michigan," he says. "But another aspect of it, after this terrible year for the Legislature, is it shows that this institution can come together and work on legislation that benefits the state of Michigan."
Lawmakers have to approve the reforms before they break for the winter holiday for the state to be eligible for the federal "Race To The Top" money.