LANSING – State Representatives Marc Corriveau (D-Northville), Douglas Geiss (D-Taylor) and Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) today said that while they are prepared to move a budget with deep cuts in order to balance the state budget, they will fight to protect programs essential to jumpstarting Michigan's economy, moving the state into the future and protecting our most vulnerable citizens. These priorities include K-12 education, scholarships including the Michigan Promise, local police and fire protection, and health care for kids and seniors.
"Tough times call for tough decisions, and I am ready to make the necessary cuts that will help improve government efficiency and keep our state moving forward," Corriveau said. "At the same time, we cannot forget the impact that deep cuts have on Michigan families. In the face of these hard cuts, I urge my colleagues not to lose sight of the brave police and firefighters who keep our streets safe, the scholarships that make college attainable for our students, and the health care services that are essential for the well-being of our seniors and children."
The lawmakers said the agreement on deep cuts announced Wednesday was a necessary first step in moving the budget process forward, but was in no way enough to position Michigan for the future and revitalize its economy. The lawmakers said they look forward to continuing to work with the Senate and the Governor to protect key investments that will help Michigan prosper in the 21st century.
"As we make these difficult yet unavoidable cuts, we cannot jeopardize programs that support Michigan's middle-class families," Geiss said. "As a father, I know how important it is for our kids to get a quality education that will help them compete for the good-paying jobs of the 21st century. That's why I will fight to keep the promise we made to our students."
LeBlanc, who serves as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today was named to a bipartisan conference committee that will work to balance the state budget.
"We will have to make some very painful cuts, but they are all necessary to help turn our state around," said LeBlanc, Chair of the State Police and Military and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee and a reserve police officer. "However, I will continue to fight to ensure that we keep firefighters and police on the job, protect programs that prepare our workers, and invest in making Michigan successful in the 21st century economy."