As reported in this morning's Free Press and Detroit News -
State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D), the senate minority leader, reported today that the Democratic lawmakers will introduce a constitutional amendment to protect the money in the state School Aid Fund from being raided by Governor Snyder.
Governor Snyder has proposed a budget cut of $470 per student. YET, he is using almost $900 Million of the School Aid Fund to help fund community colleges and universities.
Sen. Whitmer held a press conference this morning and emphasized that voters approved the Michigan Lottery in 1972 and Proposal A in 1994 with the understanding that the funds generated by these measures would be dedicated to SUPPORTING EDUCATION. The voters wanted money put into a special fund where it was protected from raids such as Governor Snyder's.
At the same time the governor is taking $900 million AWAY from K-12 Education, he is proposing tax reforms for business that would cut $1.8 BILLION in tax revenue. He claims this is needed to improve the business climate in Michigan.
However, he is proposing CUTS TO EDUCATION that WOULD NOT NEED TO TAKE PLACE if it weren't for his almost TWO BILLION DOLLAR TAX cut to Michigan businesses.
MEA
About Me
- Tfitzjake
- I wrote this introduction 6 years ago, and it is even more important today than ever. The voices of educational employees need to be heard above the roar of public school attacks in this country. We are on the front line; we are highly educated and trained professionals. Why are we being ignored? I am an educator. I was the president of the Walled Lake Education Association for over 6 years, and before that, the treasurer for 8 years. I have been on the bargaining team for 15 years. I am now the MEA UniServ Director for 7K and parts of IJ. I want our voice to be heard! Today's educational climate requires that we all stay informed regarding the issues affecting our chosen profession!