Michigan leaders downplay state's Race to the Top chances as Obama announces $1.35 billion expansion of program

Michigan leaders downplay state's Race to the Top chances as Obama announces $1.35 billion expansion of program


"Michigan educators had their Race to the Top application in Washington by today’s deadline, and some state leaders and lawmakers are now downplaying the state’s chances at winning one of the initial grants.


The deadline comes as President Obama announces he’ll add $1.35 billion to next year’s budget to expand the reform program, even setting aside some of the money to allow districts to submit plans directly to the federal government.....


There has been speculation since last month that Michigan’s chances faded when the state cut education funding and then failed to land a planning grant from the Gates Foundation.
It also likely didn’t help that Michigan’s teachers unions withheld their support, though the New York Times reports they’re not alone, as labor groups in Minnesota and Florida also balked."



Anyone getting this "union" /"failure" connection?