News

LANSING – Amid the backdrop of a looming state shutdown, House Democrats today acted on a proposal that would protect schoolchildren, seniors and veterans while being able to invest in Michigan's future.  Because of House Republican's unwillingness to support giving Michigan voters a voice in Michigan's economic recovery, Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) called on the Senate to act immediately to avoid a government shutdown.  

"Today's refusal to act is irresponsible and will drive us closer to government shutdown," Dillon said.  "It takes both parties working together to move Michigan forward through this unprecedented budget crisis," Dillon said.  "The time for political posturing is over.  For the sake of our state, I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put aside partisan politics to craft a bipartisan solution to avert government shutdown."

House Democrats called for a vote on a ballot initiative that would allow citizens to choose if they wanted to move the state's sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent.  The vote would have required 2/3 support from the chamber.  After Republicans refused to produce enough votes to move the initiative, House Democrats cleared the board. 

Democrats called on Republican lawmakers to step up and provide the bipartisan support needed to pass an economic plan that will save taxpayer's dollars by reforming the way the state does business and invests in Michigan's future.  Dillon said that the House will continue to move forward by acting on additional solutions on Friday. 

"Rather than playing a dangerous game of chicken with the state's future, the House has decided to move first and be part of the solution," Dillon said.

Dillon pointed out that the House has also put forth numerous cuts and reforms that are needed to help solve the fiscal crisis.  He once again outlined that a government shutdown would put Michigan's economy and its citizens in jeopardy because vital services could come to a halt, including nursing home care, state police patrols, and food and protective services for children.

"We need to stop the finger pointing and end the blame game and move Michigan forward," said Dillon.  "Our children, our grandparents, our neighbors and our co-workers all across the state are counting on us to do the right thing. We cannot let them down."