LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today rejected a set of proposed Republican budget cuts that gut funding for kids and schools, senior health care, and police and firefighters at a time when Michigan needs to invest in the future and move forward.
"The Republican cuts hurt our kids, our seniors and our veterans," House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) said. "The Republican plan is a stark example of the different vision that Democrats and Republicans have for Michigan's future. Democrats believe in investing in Michigan's future, our children and schools, and in standing up for our veterans who fought for our country. Do we want to move Michigan forward or backward? This is the question before lawmakers. House Democrats want to move Michigan forward."
The Republican plan would:
Cut $366.7 million from local elementary, middle and high schools.
Cut $207.5 million from state universities and community colleges, forcing massive hikes in tuition at a time when Michigan families can least afford it.
Cut $17.9 million from programs that allow seniors to lead healthy, independent lives.
Cut $439.8 million from public safety and local revenue-sharing payments, eliminating the jobs of 5,000 police, firefighter and first-responders and putting local communities at risk.
Cut $6.2 million to help disabled and paralyzed veterans who served our country and fought for our freedom.
The Michigan House has been in session for more than 24 hours, and House Democrats are committed to working until a comprehensive budget solution that avoids cuts to kids and schools, senior health care, and public safety has been reached. House Democrats have passed numerous reforms and cuts, including reducing lawmakers' pay, increasing co-pays for legislative health care, and ending free lifetime health care for lawmakers.
"As Democrats, we believe we must fight for our children, support our parents and grandparents, and fight for the men and women who put their lives at risk to protect our communities and serve our country," said Majority Floor Leader Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit). "The Republican cuts take Michigan in the wrong direction at the wrong time and in the wrong way. We can and must do better."