By Staff
LANSING – In response to the Senate's bipartisan efforts to close the fiscal year 2007 budget deficit, Senate Appropriations Chair Ron Jelinek, R-Three Oaks, issued the following statement: "The Senate and House of Representatives stayed in session late Friday to work on the state budget. We are dedicated to solving the state's budget problems and will move forward diligently to solve the issues we are facing. While the bipartisan negotiations were intense, Senate Republicans are committed to solving the 2007 budget and will push forward."
The Senate Republican plan approved on Friday includes the following:
Reducing State Legislature's Budget – In an effort to reduce the size of government, Senate Republicans enacted a 4 percent cut to the Michigan Legislature's budget. This is a $4.5 million reduction.
Keeping Revenue Sharing Intact – Senate Republicans stopped a reduction in revenue sharing funds to local governments, keeping essential services to residents intact.
Protecting State's Most Vulnerable Citizens – Senate Republicans did not include the governor's proposed 6 percent cut to Medicaid providers, thereby, protecting Michigan's low-income children, families and seniors.
Preventing Layoffs for State Troopers – Senate Republicans restored $1.2 million in funds to prevent state police trooper layoffs.
Preserving School Aid Fund – Senate Republicans continue to keep education a top priority and will continue to protect the per pupil foundation allowance – and work to prevent the governor's estimated $122 per student reduction to the '07 School Aid Fund.