Is a pony for every kid really that far off?

[cdutilb]

Here is an update from this debacle. Obvious back pedaling but they wouldn't be politicans if they didn't.

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LANSING -- Three Michigan lawmakers who took a trip to California last month paid for by Apple Inc. to learn about educational technology will reimburse the company $1,702 each.

"The only reason we're paying for it is to end this public perception that something is misguided," said Rep. Tim Melton, D-Auburn Hills.

Melton, chairman of the House Education Policy Committee, said House Democrats erred last week when they announced that they planned to put $38 million into the budget to buy Apple iPods for students. He said that was never the plan, but it was widely reported in the Michigan press and then picked up by the nation's media. He said the "iPod controversy" has become a national joke.

"We did the press a great disservice and we're deeply sorry for that," said Melton.

The other two lawmakers who went on the California trip were House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, and Rep. Matthew Gillard, D-Alpena, who is the chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on education. It was Gillard who held an iPod up before reporters when talking about the plans to put more technology into the classroom.

Gillard said Dillon, who did not attend today's news conference, was "gravely disappointed" by the flap over iPods.

"There was never a plan to provide an iPod for every child in the state of Michigan," Melton said.

He said that because of the state's budget crisis the entire $38 million proposal could be scrapped and most of the proposed money put toward teacher development.


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http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...TICS/704130368