LANSING – Working around the clock, House Democrats today unveiled key priorities –centered on protecting job creation, education and health care programs – that will help resolve Michigan's multi-year budget crisis. In pledging to focus on cuts and reforms, House Democrats said they will unveil a comprehensive plan to fix Michigan's budget in April.
"The key to fixing our budget and moving Michigan forward is investing in job creation, health care and education," House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford) said. "We cannot afford a piecemeal approach. We should be protecting job creation, health care, education and police and fire protection, not attacking them. House Democrats understand that we must invest in our future and use a long-term, big picture turnaround plan to tackle Michigan's many challenges."
House Democrats have announced they will ask House Republicans to work through the Spring Break. Michigan faces a nearly $1-billion deficit in 2007, which will balloon to $3 billion in 2008 unless Michigan's core problems are addressed.
"We will work around the clock to resolve our budget crisis and end the cycle of deficits," Dillon said. "We will announce a plan to move our economy forward in April. We will get the job done."
House Majority Leader Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit) said: "House Democrats will focus on cuts and reforms before we consider any revenue enhancements. At the same time, we are committed to protecting crucial services and programs that get Michigan back on track. We should not cut our economic lifeline."
On March 13, Wall Street credit rating agency Standard & Poor's downgraded Michigan's rating to "negative, from "AA," meaning Michigan's economic outlook remains bleak.
"We must act right now and get our fiscal house in order," Dillon said. "Education and job creation are the key to turning our economy around. Companies like Ford and GM are tackling their economic challenges by employing a long-term, turnaround plan that invests in the future and looks at more than just a 1-year cycle. Like these major corporations, Democrats are going to look at the big picture – not one-time fixes and political gimmicks – to build a Michigan that is second to none."