Introduction
We are currently facing a critical week in our state. One major budget hurdle has been cleared, for the current fiscal year at least, but it came through a grudging and hard-fought compromise. And the pain of this process and its implementation will be felt by me and by many Michigan citizens for a long time.
We hear about tough decisions being made every day, about the auto industry, about school funding, about layoffs. But at no time in my four decades of public service have tough decisions had such imminent and severely potential consequences. And at no time have I felt more frustrated by the failure of some to comprehend our current financial crisis.
At the end of September my colleagues and I made tough decisions. And while you may disagree, I will continue to explain that investing in human capital will attract jobs and improve the quality of life; that investing in education will produce more college graduates; and that investing in higher education and research will increase per capita income. We must invest in a highly-skilled workforce to fill 21st century jobs. And we must invest in early childhood development, in training for displaced workers, and in our public schools.
Meanwhile, there still remain some $440 million in budget cuts to be determined in the next 12 days that could prove to be even more painful. However, I remain hopeful that the lessons of last month will allow a dignified and respected resolution during that time. Also, on November 6th you will go to the polls to make important decisions in selecting school board members for the City of Detroit who understand the importance of investing in education. This will be the first election where voter ID will be required so I urge you to read the following information to be sure you are prepared.
I hope you find this newsletter helpful in keeping you informed on my efforts to protect the health, safety and education of Michigan citizens.
Senator Irma Clark-Coleman
Senate District 3
