Michigan Senate Democrats

Michigan is in crisis. Due to a combination of a manufacturing industry devastated by unfair trade policies and the exploding cost of health care, the state is facing a $3 billion budget shortfall. Short-sighted fiscal plans by previous legislatures have only deepened the problem, and now Michigan families are in serious danger.

Governor Granholm and democrats have made more tough cuts than any of our predecessors. We have eliminated nearly $3 billion in spending over the last three years, and there are almost 10,000 less state employees than there were just six years ago. We will continue to make tough choices, but we are also committed to investing in Michigan’s long-term success.

As legislators, we understand that resolving these budget issues in a way that protects our most urgent priorities, is critical to our long-range plans to grow and transform our economy. But we need you to be part of the solution as well.

Below is a survey form where you can express your opinions. Your ideas are an important part of determining what Michigan we will leave for our children and grandchildren.

Budget FACTS

Since taking office, Governor Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature have resolved more than $4 billion in budget deficits.
To resolve those deficits, the Governor has cut more than $3 billion from state government, more than any Governor before her.
State government employs fewer people today than it has at any point since the early 1970’s.
Funding for local governments, including local police and fire has been cut by $585 million resulting in a loss of more than 1,600 local police officers.
Higher education funding has been cut by more than $250 million, forcing students and their families to endure double digit tuition rate increases.
Funding for our public schools has been adjusted twice and programs including adult education and gifted and talented programs have been cut, totaling more than $500 million.
But Michigan’s struggle with budget shortfalls will continue as long as we have declining revenues and increasing spending pressures (like the rising cost of health care).
General fund revenue is down 30% since 2000 ($11.5 billion to $8.1 billion) and will fall another $1.2 billion dollars if the Single Business Tax (SBT) is not replaced.
Michigan has 2,500 more prisoners than in 2003.
Medicaid caseloads are up 30% since 2000 while food assistance caseloads have nearly doubled, increasing 48% in the same period.

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What does this mean to YOU

Some 1,600 fewer law enforcement officers statewide since the 9-11 terrorist attacks
A $2,300 per student drop in state funding to higher education, leading to double-digit tuition increases, in some cases
Forty-six hospitals forced to close their doors.

What WE have done so far?

Michigan operating on nearly a third less revenue than 30 years ago.
Nearly $3 billion in cuts by Governor and Legislature over past three years.
Reduction of 10,000 state employees since year 2000.

What is AT RISK?

If we don’t address the impending $3 billion shortfall, we may have to…

Close 16 corrections facilities releasing nearly 14,000 prisoners
Cut more than $200 per student, costing public schools critical funds mid-school year.
Eliminate funding for healthcare, increasing the cost to taxpayers as the poor rely on emergency rooms for routine care.
Reduce or eliminate dozens of service programs upon which Michigan residents rely.

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EMAIL your comments

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Please rank each of these budget options one through six, with one being what you would most prefer and six being what you would least prefer:

Ranking:	Budget Options:
	Cuts to public schools and higher education, which could result in fewer teachers or higher college tuition
	Cuts to Corrections programs, which could lead to the closing of up to 16 prison facilities and the release of nearly 14,000 prisoners
	Cuts to local government, which could result in fewer police officers and firefighters, or services like road repair
	Cuts to health care, which could result in forcing people off of Medicaid and shifting costs to taxpayers to support the uninsured being treated in emergency rooms
	Increasing revenue from individuals to avoid cuts
	Increasing revenue from businesses to avoid cuts