Three Michigan legislators will reimburse Apple Inc. for travel expenses for a trip they made to California in March of 2007. The three made the trip to learn about educational technology offered by Apple, and a ruckus was raised after they then announced a plan to spend US$38 million in the state budget for iPods for students. The flap over the proposal and the trip has resulted in a public announcement that the three would pay Apple back $1,702 each for their trip expenses, according to The Detroit News.

"The only reason we’re paying for it is to end this public perception that something is misguided," Rep. Tim Melton, D-Auburn Hills, told the News.

Mr. Melton also said that the proposal was never intended to be just for iPods, but was rather intended to purchase a broader range of educational-related technology for Michigan’s public schools from Apple.

"There was never a plan to provide an iPod for every child in the state of Michigan," Rep. Melton said, adding, "We did the press a great disservice and we’re deeply sorry for that."

The proposal has been a big deal in Michigan, a state that is struggling with both a depressed economy and a $600 million budget shortfall. The idea that $38 million would be spent on iPods has been viewed as frivolous by many in the state.

The intent of the three legislators was to look for technology to improve the educational system in the state. House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township), one of the three legislators who made the trip, said at the time the proposal was announced, "I am more convinced than ever that the future for our children lies in education. As we move to the technology age and the knowledge-based economy, it would be irresponsible to separate technology from our K-12 system."