SAGINAW -- Opponents of Gov. Rick Snyder’s budget recommendations and controversial policy positions organized several protests across the state on Monday. At least nine events were organized by the group Progress Michigan in cities all over the state, including Saginaw.
Protesters like Kitty Packard voiced their opposition to the governor’s plan to tax private and public pensions. “We don’t think it’s fair when businesses get tax cuts and they want to come after seniors,” she said.
Others like Louis Dupris said they oppose the governor’s attempt to broaden the powers of state appointed emergency financial managers to scrap existing labor contracts.
“The issue is so un-American,” he said.
Meanwhile State House Speaker Jase Bolger discussed the protests and other policy issues at a Grand Blanc-area forum hosted by State Rep. Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc). Bolger defended a majority of the controversial policies outlined by the governor.
He said the proposals moving through the legislature “are on point to make Michigan more competitive, to help our taxpayers save money and at the end of the day, still protect collective bargaining.”
Other rallies were hosted in Kalamazoo, Mount Clemens, and Monroe.
*The Snyder budget has even drawn fire from MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow. Click here to read that story.
