LANSING – State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today denounced a plan to give iPods to Michigan students, saying it is more urgent to protect our schools' basic needs while solving the state's unprecedented budget crisis.
Corriveau said that although he supports technological innovation in the classroom, he feels strongly that it is wrong to ask taxpayers to pay for such a luxury.
"Although I believe it is essential to upgrade the technology in our schools, now is not the time pitch a program that gives our kids iPods when our state is facing this severe budget crisis," Corriveau said. "I promised the residents of the 20th District that I would be their independent voice. When there is something going on that I do not agree with, I will speak out against it, and that is what I am doing now. This is the wrong thing for Michigan to be spending money on."
A plan announced last week proposed spending $38 million on technology in schools, including some funding for iPods for students. Corriveau feels that because Michigan is facing an unprecedented budget crisis that remains unresolved, the state should focus on meeting fundamental needs first.
"Our schools need to be able to cover the basics," Corriveau said. "Every dollar counts right now, and we need to spend those dollars in the wisest way possible."