AFC Applauds Introduction of DC OSP Reauthorization Bill
The American Federation for Children, the nation’s voice for educational choice, applauded the introduction of HR 10, legislation to formally reauthorize the Washington, D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (DC OSP) for another five years. 
“This successful initiative has been an educational lifeline for more than 6,200 children from low-income District of Columbia families who were fortunate enough to receive scholarships since the DC OSP began in the 2004-2005 school year,” said John Schilling, Chief Operating Officer of the American Federation for Children.
Special Elections Heating Up
On Tuesday, GLEP announced their endorsement of Jan Peabody (R-82) and Mary Whiteford (R-80) in the special elections to fill vacant seats in the House of Representatives. GLEP’s Gary Naeyaert was interviewed by Michael Patrick Shiels on The Big Show to discuss our involvement in these two high-profile campaigns, and click here for the Detroit News story. This week the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce PAC announced their endorsement of Whiteford. The special primary elections will be held on November 3, 2015 and the general elections will be held on March 8, 2016.
DPS Reform Update
On the one hand, DPS has seemed to perfect the art of borrowing money, as reported on Monday by Michigan Capitol Confidential. It doesn’t look there is any limit on the amount of credit DPS can get extended its way, regardless of whether they pay off their debts. Also this week, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expresses his willingness to take on a leadership rolein education in the state’s largest city. Next Tuesday, DPS Board Member Lamar Lemmons will be making a presentation to the State Board of Education. Interesting times!!
Bowing to unions, 2016 Dems skip Campbell Brown’s education forum
Democratic presidential candidates are blowing off an education forum that anchorwoman-turned-activist Campbell Brown was scheduled to host in Iowa this month, and Brown blames pressure from traditionally Democratic teachers unions that opposed education reforms. In August, six Republican candidates appeared at a New Hampshire forum sponsored by Brown’s education reform news site, The Seventy Four, along with the American Federation for Children. Those groups had announced a similar October event for Democrats in conjunction with the Des Moines Register, but the former CNN anchor said that operatives from several campaigns told her privately that the unions had urged them not to participate. Further proof that the Democrats put adult interested before student needs. Pitiful.
Education News Clips
Next Week
Monday, October 12
Tuesday, October 13
Wednesday, October 14
Thursday, October 15
Friday, October 16
Do you support what GLEP is doing to improve education in Michigan? Please consider making a donation to help us continue our efforts, and all contributions are very much appreciated!!
Respectfully,
Gary G. Naeyaert