Common Core on cusp of approval

The Senate voted to approve a measure allowing expenditure of funds to implement Common Core today.  Common Core approval sails through Michigan Senate on voice vote, MLive.com, October 24, 2013.  The House had already approved a similar measure, and Governor Snyder backs implementation of the Common Core. 

The Senate's passage of the measure allowed Senators to avoid what might have been a problematic vote for some:

All 38 members of the Michigan Senate gave their assent to allowing the Michigan Department of Education to spend money on the Common Core State Standards on Thursday, but in a way that guarantees that approval can't be used against them politically.

Via voice vote, the Senate adopted a substitute version of a resolution passed by the Michigan House last month. It grants the education department permission to spend money on implementing the standards.

The voice method allowed passage of the resolution without requiring senators to record their votes. [Id.]

State Superintendent Mike Flanagan ordered his department to begin work immediately. Work on Common Core resuming immediately, Michigan education superintendent says, MLive.com, October 24, 2013.