LANSING (AP) -- Legislation headed for Gov. Jennifer Granholm's desk would allow Michigan school districts to use money received through agreements with tribal-run casinos to fund college scholarship programs.
The Senate unanimously approved the bill on Wednesday.
Michigan has more than 20 casinos run by American Indian tribes. The tribes have agreements with the state that typically provides 2 percent of certain gaming revenue to local governments, including schools.
The bill would allow school districts covered by those agreements to use their proceeds for scholarships for their graduates.
The legislation sponsored by Republican Sen. Ron Jelinek of Three Oaks was sparked by a plan from New Buffalo schools to fund a scholarship program.
The legislation is Senate Bill 1097.
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