Encourage the Legislature to Fix the Budget

The state is facing a budget crisis; it is a structural problem that has been going on since the Engler years.  The Governor has proposed a budget that includes some budget cuts, a modest tax increase on some services, and reorganization of parts of state government.  The Legislature has failed to act on the Governor's plan or to propose their own plan to fix the budget.

Unless the legislature takes action soon education budgets will have to be cut THIS YEAR.  K-12 Districts and universities will have to figure out how to cut money right now. 

Please take a moment, right now, to send an e-mail to your State Senator and Representative urging them to develop a comprehensive plan to establish adequate, stable funding for this year, next year, and beyond.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Fix the Budget Crisis Now!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a person who works in education, and as a member of AFT Michigan, I am well aware of the budget crisis affecting this state, and that we have had a structural deficit for years. It is time for the Legislature to get moving towards a comprehensive solution, such as the Governor's plan.

The Legislature can no longer engage in one-time fixes, accounting shifts, and the band-aid approach to fixing the state budget. It is time the Legislature looks for a permanent solution to our budget crisis that invests in our citizens.

As an educator I see the direct impact our seesawing state budget has had on families. We have had to cut programs and services that directly effect health, safety, and education. Budget dollars get shifted as we play the "robbing Peter to pay Paul" game. Schools set a budget in June only to have to give back dollars later in the year, and as a result, the very programs we are using to try and increase student success get shelved.

Schools, community colleges, and universities should not have their budgets cut in the middle of the year. I expect the Legislature to develop a comprehensive plan to establish stable and adequate funding for this year, next year, and beyond.

I look forward to your YES vote investing in Michigan. After all, if we don't invest in ourselves, who will?

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 27, 2007


Background Information

 Budget Talking Points

 

Michigan is in a fiscal crisis the global economy demands that we invest in our people so they can compete and succeed. The next steps in the plan are critical:

-       INVEST in people – education, diversification, health care.  The Governor’s budget recommendation is the blueprint for implementing the state’s economic plan.  It calls for cuts, reform and more revenue.

-       REFORM government, particularly prisons, to save taxpayer dollars.

-       CUT programs that we cannot afford, and focus on those that are most critical for economic growth and quality of life.

 

The Governor’s plan is on the table (click here to read the details: http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--161937--,00.html)