Republican governor nominee John James pushed for stronger parental rights and more accountability in schools during a campaign stop on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe, a metro Detroit, Mich., suburb, on Monday, Oct. 12.
James, the congressman who represents Michigan 10th District, said hot-button issues matter but are distractions from Michigan poor reading scores and school performances. He said the core of his education platform is getting results in the classroom.
He wants to opt Michigan into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, a program that provides tax breaks in exchange for donations to scholarships that some low-income families could use for things like private school tuition. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has so far resisted, saying she is still waiting on details from the federal government.
James also said that as governor he would want more say in overseeing education. The Michigan Constitution puts the state board of education independently in charge of public learning and hiring a state superintendent.
Parents may claim up to $1,700 under that credit on their own or $3,400 jointly, according to the U.S. Education Department, and states must opt into the program before parents can apply. The credit takes effect in 2027.
James said he is focusing on meeting voters face-to-face. He faces Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the November 3 election, the first race for an open seat to lead the state in eight years. The two clashed for the first time at a debate in Grand Rapids on Oct. 6.
