PETOSKEY – Joined by community leaders from Emmet County, State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today unveiled the State Legislature's bold budget solution that moves Michigan forward and invests in vital services such as health care, education and public safety.
"After weeks of working around the clock, we passed a plan that balances Michigan's budget and helps us build an economy able to compete globally in the 21st century," McDowell said. "This plan cuts wasteful and inefficient spending while also making critical investments in public safety, education and job creation. By investing in our future, we have put Michigan on the road to recovery."
Several community leaders spoke out in support of the budget plan at a press conference this morning, including Petoskey Public Schools Superintendent John Scholten; Emmet County Controller Lyn Johnson; Lincoln Elementary School Principal Tom VanDeventer; Harbor Springs Public Schools Superintendent David Larson; and local education leader Mary Lieberman.
McDowell and his colleagues have said from the beginning that a budget solution would have to include a sensible mix of cuts, reforms and revenues. The plan that passed this weekend will create a long-term savings of hundreds of millions of dollars through cuts and reforms. Some of the cuts and reforms include eliminating free lifetime health care benefits for lawmakers, eliminating "double-dipping" for retired state workers who come back to work for the state and creating a committee to investigate government inefficiency. The plan also contains provisions for a continuation budget.
"This weekend the buck stopped in the Michigan House," McDowell said. "We stopped the finger-pointing, put our differences aside and worked together to move Michigan forward. But clearly, our work is not yet done. I pledge that we will continue to do what's necessary to protect Michigan's working families and get our state back on track."