Thursday, June 22, 2006

Sikkema, Granholm debate scholarship plan
Say wha...?

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Republican Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema said Wednesday he would consider approving Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm's plan to give college students $4,000 scholarships if she would agree to a limit on welfare benefits and a change in health care plans for teachers.

Not seeing the upside here, Ken. Are you really suggesting trading one group of children for another? Are the Pubs going to campaign on blocking money for college students?

I am utterly confused now.

Granholm isn't interested in linking the three issues, spokeswoman Liz Boyd said.

Sikkema, of Wyoming, proposed trying to accomplish the three initiatives in response to Granholm's request that the state Legislature endorse her revamped Michigan Merit Award scholarship plan before lawmakers leave for their summer break in a week or so.

-snip-

Boyd called the Sikkema proposal a political ploy he knew the governor wouldn't accept.

"They should not be holding college tuition scholarships hostage for political maneuvering," she said.

Strange maneuvering at that. Next week should be fun.