In their first week and a half back at work, some Michigan senators are focusing on ways to improve the environment, while others are working on ways to keep high school students in school until graduation day.

A bill introduced by Sen. Cameron Brown, R-Fawn River Twp., would give a $1,000 tax credit to people who purchase an alternative-energy car. It would apply to people who purchase the car in a tax year after Dec. 31, 2004.

"I wanted to encourage the development of alternative-energy fuel transportation," Brown said. "I want bring the future into the present."

David Gard, an energy policy specialist from the Michigan Environmental Council, said alternative-energy fuel cars can cost thousands of dollars more than regular cars.

"The technology for hybrids is new, so the per-unit cost is more," Gard said. "By returning some of the cost consumers pay, you're rewarding consumers.

"Hybrid technology is something that is good for society because we want cleaner technology in the marketplace."

Sen. Liz Brater, D-Ann Arbor, wants to make sure children are staying in school, at least until they turn 18.

The bill she introduced would raise the age at which children could drop out of school from 16 to 18 and allow 16- and 17-year-olds to be involved in an alternative school setting if they choose.

The bill states that if a student must work more than 25 hours a week, the student still must attend school at least 15 hours a week.

"We want all children in Michigan to be successful and be eligible for good jobs in the current job market," Brater said. "And statistics show most jobs being created will require a high school diploma."

Jim Ballard, executive director of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, said when students drop out of high school, they "become a debt on society, and it's almost a death wish on the student."

He said he would like to see a change in the process that happens when students decide to drop out.

Students sometimes stop coming to school at 14, and the process to force them to return can take almost two years - when they can then legally drop out, Ballard said.

"The process is so lengthy and cumbersome that it needs to be changed," Ballard said.

Ballard also said he wants to make sure that alternative schools, if they are going to be an option for students wanting to drop out, are given more funding.

"Alternative schools are very expensive schools," Ballard said. "The bill is a great idea, but the support and funding must be there also."

Brater said the bill will have to come with money attached because of laws that require the government to give money to schools when there is a new requirement they must follow.

Rebecca McNulty can be reached at mcnult13@msu.edu.