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Pledge of Allegiance Requirement Heads to Governor’s Desk

WKAR File Photo

A bill requiring public schools in Michigan to make time to recite the Pledge of Allegiance is on its way to Governor Rick Snyder’s desk.

The state Senate just approved a final version of the measure. Another bill in the package mandates all public school classrooms have an American flag on display. State Senator Roger Kahn sponsored the legislation. He says he wished it could have taken higher priority for the Legislature this year.

“It took longer than I wanted it to take," he says. "It ran into summer recesses. I didn’t want it to take a back-burner, but it ended up taking a back-burner.”

But a few Democrats say the bills should have never moved at all. They say the measures are a distraction from more important things. They also say it could be a burden for some schools. The VFW of Michigan says it’ll encourage local posts to donate flags to schools.

Jake Neher is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He covers the State Legislature and other political events in Lansing.
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