BY JAKE NEHER
Michigan Public Radio Network
The state Senate has approved an education budget that would boost public school funding by about three percent.
Colleges and universities would also get an increase of around two percent.
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville praised the schools budget, saying it addresses issues like teacher retirement costs while giving more money to districts.
"The education budget this year may be the best that I've seen since I've been up here," Richardville said.
But many Democrats say the plan does not do enough to make up for cuts to education over the past couple of years. They're also criticizing Republicans for adding language related to social issues like embryonic stem cell research.
The education budget now goes to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature.
Copyright 2013, MPRN