BY JAKE NEHER
Michigan Public Radio Network
A bill designed to protect the Detroit Institute of Arts and its collection faces a tough road ahead in the Michigan Legislature.
At least one of the top Republicans in Lansing has doubts about the legislation.
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr said some of the DIA's collection might have to be sold off to pay the city's debts. That's if Detroit winds up in federal bankruptcy court.
The bill would ban museums from selling artwork unless the money is used to buy more art or pay operating costs.
Jase Bolger is speaker of the state House.
"We want those arts to remain in Detroit, we want them to remain with the DIA," Bolger said.
But Bolger said passing legislation for every interest group that wants to protect some of the city's assets could make it impossible to address Detroit's financial troubles.
Bolger said there's no plan for the House to take up the bill until at least fall.
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