Students, Others Rally For Michigan School Funding

TIM MARTIN

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — School advocates and Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm are keeping the pressure on Michigan lawmakers to raise more money for education.

Hundreds of students, parents and school officials rallied Tuesday at the state Capitol to take their message directly to lawmakers. Students called on the Legislature to avoid budget cuts that could trim school programs across the state.

"We want to show them it's hurting us more than they think it is," said Zane Thomas, 17, a student at Thurston High School in Redford near Detroit. "I don't think they understand how deep these cuts really are."

Thomas said he is worried about potential cuts to drama, choir, band and freshmen athletics programs.

Students from Grand Ledge said they are worried about possible cuts to transportation, an alternative high school and elementary schools.

"What's happening is not fair to anybody," said Alexis Miller, 15, a high school student in the district located west of Lansing.