Michigan gubernatorial candidate John James talks proposed changes to state's education

U.S. Rep. John James, a Republican candidate, said Michigan does not need to spend more money on education. He said the state must ensure existing funding is being used effectively. “I’m going to make sure that we have fiscal responsibility to ensure that, as we are losing school-age population, we are not overspending on overhead and waste in our school systems,” James said. James’ plan includes expanding phonics instruction, providing education tax credits and giving parents more choices over where their children attend school. He has also called for restoring Michigan’s former third-grade reading retention law, which generally required students who were significantly behind in reading to repeat the grade. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation repealing the retention requirement in 2023.