JOHN JAMES AND GOV. TATE REEVES OUTLINE PLAN TO BRING THE MISSISSIPPI MIRACLE TO MICHIGAN’S FAILING SCHOOLS

John James: “We are not going to accept 45th best. Period.”

LIVONIA, MI — This afternoon, Republican gubernatorial candidate John James was joined by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, parents, teachers, and education advocates in Livonia to lay out a plan to turn around Michigan’s struggling education system by empowering parents, supporting teachers, restoring accountability, and making sure every Michigan child can read.

Reeves pointed to Mississippi’s dramatic education turnaround as proof that conservative education reforms work and states do not have to accept poor outcomes as inevitable. Mississippi went from 49th to ninth in fourth-grade reading, while its high school graduation rate rose from 72.5% in 2013 to 91% last year. Reeves credited sustained reforms centered around literacy, accountability, parents, and students, and said James has the plan and leadership to deliver similar results in Michigan.

“One of the things that attracted me to come to Michigan today is because I’ve seen the education plan that John James has for this great state. He understands the importance of the people. He understands the importance of parents.”

— Governor Tate Reeves

James reiterated his education agenda focused on early literacy, accountability, supporting teachers, expanding skilled trades and career pathways, and giving parents more choices to ensure every Michigan child has access to a quality education.

On Day One, James pledged to opt Michigan into the Education Freedom Tax Credit and called for greater accountability throughout the state’s education system. But he made clear Michigan’s turnaround starts with the basics: making sure every child can read.

“I’m committed to make sure that our kindergarteners, right now, by the time I finish my first term, will be able to read by the time they get into fourth grade. That is how you should judge me.”

— John James

Reeves said Mississippi’s success was not the result of a single policy, but a sustained package of reforms focused on children, parents, implementation, and accountability. James pledged to bring that same results-driven approach to Michigan and reject the idea that the state’s current education outcomes are acceptable.

“We are not going to accept 45th best. Period.”

— John James

Monday’s event kicks off a big week for the James campaign, with James taking the stage tomorrow, October 6, at 7:00 PM for the WOOD TV gubernatorial debate, where he will lay out his plan to reverse Michigan’s decline.

Watch the full event with Governor Reeves here.

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