LANSING – In a move to jumpstart Michigan's economy and end the chronic cycle of budget deficits, House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) today unveiled the Road Map to Michigan's Recovery. The plan boasts sweeping reforms to state and local government, cuts in government spending and investments in areas critical to Michigan's ability to compete in the 21st Century global economy.
"Michigan is at a critical crossroads," Dillon said. "We have to decide whether to make the tough choices that will move Michigan into the 21st Century, or play it safe with the hope that things will work themselves out. Our turnaround plan will make Michigan a leader in today's global economy and get our state back on track."
The Road Map to Michigan's Recovery plan makes far-reaching changes by: cutting state spending; enacting sweeping reforms to state and local governments and community schools; and investing in areas critical to Michigan's economic growth such as health care, education and job creation.
The first tier of the plan pursues sweeping reforms at all levels of government, including consolidating local government services and school district administrative offices, which will streamline government and save millions of dollars. This reform builds on actions taken by House Democrats in March to cut the State House budget by more than $3 million and end lifetime health care for new lawmakers.
The second tier of the plan makes deep cuts in government spending. These cuts combined with structural reforms would save the state nearly $1 billion, including the $344 million in cuts in the governor's Executive Order that passed the House last week.
"Gone are the days when we can simply rely on one-time fixes and cost shifts," Dillon said. "Now is the time to initiate bold reforms and investments to guide our state into the 21st Century and become a leader in today's global economy. Our plan makes real changes that will have long-lasting, positive effects for Michigan."
The third tier makes investments that are necessary to diversify Michigan's economy. The road map creates a cutting-edge, statewide catastrophic health care system with the private sector that aims to cut costs in half to businesses and individuals alike, providing a powerful incentive for businesses to locate in Michigan. Other investments include establishing a state-of-the-art education system with improved technology that bridges the technological divide and brings our classrooms into the 21st Century. The plan would make preschool available to every child in Michigan and makes higher education more affordable and accessible. The road map prepares Michigan's communities to compete in the global economy by allocating $100 million to local communities throughout the state to improve infrastructure and develop affordable housing as a way to draw people to Michigan's cities and communities. The plan also bolsters the 21st Century Jobs Fund to help recruit new, and grow existing, cutting-edge businesses to the state.
"Michigan is bursting at the seams with potential," said Majority Floor Leader Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit). "We have one of the most skilled labor forces in the country. We have one of the most advanced research and development economies in the nation and excess manufacturing capacity for new industries to relocate in Michigan. The Road Map to Michigan's Recovery unlocks our potential and will make Michigan a magnet for new businesses and industries and make us a leader in the 21st Century global economy."
Details of the Road Map to Michigan's Recovery can be found at housedems.com.