LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today passed a plan that resolves the 2007 budget deficit, preventing a threatened government shutdown and protecting funding for community schools, police and fire protection, and job creation programs.
"This plan will make our state stronger because it protects our community schools from cuts, safeguards funding for police and fire protection, and prevents deep cuts to health care for our most vulnerable citizens," said State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe). "We made tremendous strides in fixing the unprecedented budget crisis, and this positions us to continue working on the 2008 budget."
The plan to resolve Michigan's immediate budget deficit will, in part:
- Cut $317 million from the state budget through administrative reductions, retirement savings, and reductions in lottery promotions.
- Preserve funding for K-12 education, health care, and police and fire prevention, including $1.2 million to avoid Michigan State Police trooper layoffs.
- Allow for the use of one-time funds from the tobacco settlement proceeds and the Higher Education Loan Authority.
- Require government audits to streamline spending and save taxpayer dollars.
"Resolving the 2007 budget is an important victory for the people of our state, but our work is not over yet," said State Representative Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee). "We still have a lot of work to do to get next year's budget sorted out. But in the end, we will have a leaner and stronger Michigan that draws 21st jobs providers."