"The dysfunction of Michigan's political structure is on full display this week. State lawmakers have bickered and gone down to the wire on working out comprehensive education reforms that would position Michigan to compete for $400 million to $500 million in federal grants.
Senate Republican negotiators have been wrangling with their Democratic House colleagues, who have balked at allowing the opening of more charter schools in the state.
The federal Race to the Top program, which will distribute the money Michigan wants, demands that states allow for the easier establishment of charter schools, particularly in districts where the traditional public schools are failing students."