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Supporters for more education funding rally at capitol

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LANSING, Mich. — Supporters for more funding for Michigan public schools rallied at the Michigan State Capitol on Tuesday.

Called the #RedforEd Rally, participants and speaker were decked in everything from red t-shirts, dresses, hats, bandanas, even a red tie for Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist.

The rally brought to the capitol educators, students, and parents all seeking more funding for schools.

During the rally, at least one speaker called this a "turbulent time for teachers."

The numerous speakers also continued to promote the theme that the State of Michigan needs to become a top 10 education state.

In a ranking of states by U.S. News and World Report which measured how well states are educating their students, Michigan came in at 37.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed those in attendance today and made it clear the state needs to do better.

She said, "We need to take Michigan from fiftieth to top 10."

She also made it clear who is to blame for the problems the state is facing in education when she stated, "Our failure in education is because of what happens in the building behind us (referencing the state capitol), not because of our children."

She added, "We cannot have an economy that lasts unless we educate children."

Progress Michigan, a sponsor of today's event, says they will be back at the capitol next Tuesday to continue their protests.

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