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Police/Fire, Public Education The recent proposed cuts implemented by the Michigan Senate slash funds for critical services such as police and fire. Public education has not been spared and proposed cuts threaten the quality of education for Michigan's children.
We need statesmen, not politicians, at this critical time. Michigan cannot cut its way to a balanced budget without further jeopardizing the public safety of the citizens of Michigan. Since 9-11, Michigan has lost over 2500 law enforcement officers. What are needed are new solutions for revenue. Predictions are that in 2010 there may be no money for revenue sharing for education as well as local units of government. Further cuts will be forthcoming unless tax reform is addresses by the legislators. One example of cuts being considered is the Dillon health care proposal, HB 5345. If passed, all public employees would no longer be able to negotiate their health care. Instead, the level of benefits will be set by a panel in Lansing. This same panel would also determine the level of health care for public sector retirees as well. The long-term solution is to identify new areas of revenue while growing Michigan's economy. Proposal A is not working and needs to be scrapped. Failure to do so will ensure that the current budget fight will, like Ground Hog Day, be replayed again each and every time a new budget year rolls around. Please make your voice heard by contacting your legislator. Tell them that you are OPPOSED to HB 5345. Ask them to look for new sources of revenue before passing any bills that deeply hurt Michigan worker's, retirees, and public safety. Please use the link below to express your opposition to the Dillon health care plan for public sector employees and to support new sources of revenue. http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp |
