In a rare Saturday session, Michigan lawmakers began voting on a package of bills that would make sweeping changes to education law and could help the state win up to $400 million dollars in extra federal cash for schools.

The Michigan House passed the first of several bills in the package by a 94 to 4 vote Saturday.

Some other bills in the package are to expand charter schools and allow the takeover of failing schools.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm says she will sign the legislation if it's approved.

The bills are aimed at winning the federal race to the top competition run by the Obama Administration.

Fewer than half the states are likely to win money through the competition, but the bills voted would likely strengthen Michigan's bid.