By Staff
LANSING -- Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, and House Speaker Rick Johnson, R-LeRoy, today announced that they have reached a budget agreement that protects education priorities and sets aside nearly $200 million in the state's savings accounts.
The governor, Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of the House said the budget agreement is fiscally responsible and that Michigan is one of just a handful of states across the nation to balance its budget without relying on tax increases or excessive borrowing.
Shaffer, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, serves on the FIA, Community Health, Agriculture and Capital Outlay subcommittees.
"Despite these difficult economic times, I'm proud that the Legislature and the governor were able to come together to forge a compromise which reflects common priorities in the best interest of Michigan," Shaffer said.
Under the budget agreement, the Governor and legislative leaders agreed to:
Among the additional funds identified by the Governor, Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of the House are audits of the homestead property exemption and personal property tax exemption. Additionally, the Governor and legislative leaders agreed to approve legislation that would increase fines for drivers who repeatedly violate state laws.