LANSING -- Both the Michigan House and Senate have approved the new state budget.
The budget has created much controversy, especially with unions and schools.
Representative Jim Ananich sent out a statement saying, ““You can slather this pig of a budget in buckets of lipstick, but it won't change the fact that it's a job killer, plain and simple. There are people who are earning a paycheck today who won't be once this budget takes affect and when you claim job creation is the top priority, that result is unacceptable.”
The Michigan Education Association (MEA) also sent out a similar statement, calling asking state politicians to “stop robbing our kids’ future.” In another release, MEA President Iris K. Salters stated, “Michigan citizens, including teachers and school employees, are fed up with the state politicians who voted to cut $1 billion from local schools while giving a $1.8 billion tax break to rich CEOs and corporate special interests. The new ads leave no room for interpretation: Out-of-touch politicians are balancing their budget on the backs of our kids, and they will be held accountable for their actions.”
The budget was revised, though, from it’s original form. Initially, the plan was to cut $300 per pupil in education spending. Under the new version, $100 per student will be given back for employee benefits, and schools can earn another $100 per child rebate if they follow Gov. Snyder’s “best financial practices.” The MEA has also created a youtube video against the cuts. You can watch the video here.
Representative Jim Stamas says he is for the budget. He sent out a release saying, “This dynamic plan ushers in a new era in Lansing where budget plans are based on what the people of Michigan can truly afford. It's a fiscally responsible plan that reins in spending, minimizes school funding cuts and positions the state for stability in the future. The fact that we were able to craft a budget before May 31 is historic. Schools, local governments and universities will now be able to develop their budgets more efficiently and effectively since they know how much state funding they will receive. As majority floor leader, I am proud to have helped shepherd this landmark plan through the legislative process. We listened intently to the public and allowed ample debate on the floor. Although we had to make some difficult choices, residents were understandably fed up with the 'business as usual' approach in Lansing where lawmakers were unwilling to make the tough decisions necessary to move our state forward."
The new budget goes into effect on October 1st.
NBC25 has been asking your thoughts along the way. Now that this budget has passed, do you think the state will be able to move forward and focus on the next year? Or, do you think this budget will cripple Michigan?
