LANSING – The House Appropriations Committee today approved a plan presented by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to balance the current state budget by achieving $145 million in savings while protecting essential services such as education and fire and police protection.
"With Michigan and the rest of the nation facing a recession, these cuts were necessary in order to keep our government functional," said State Representative George Cushingberry Jr. (D-Detroit), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. "When looking at the big picture, these cuts were very minimal. Protecting Michigan residents' right to be safe in their communities and to get a good education was at the top of our agenda, and we succeeded in protecting those programs."
The budget-balancing measures make up for a projected shortfall in this year's state budget caused by the poor economy. The agreement that House Democrats fought for includes no cuts to Michigan's K-12 schools; higher education; revenue sharing, which local governments use to provide essential services such as fire and police protection; and Michigan State Police. The plan saves $145 million through a combination of cutting spending and increasing efficiency at state departments.
"When reviewing the Governor's Executive Order, the most important factor was how these cuts would affect Michigan residents," said Speaker Pro Tempore Michael G. Sak (D-Grand Rapids). "We have protected our children and their future by preserving K-12 and higher education funding and protected our communities by preserving money for the police officers and firefighters that keep our families safe."