Job creation and job growth are still the buzz words around Lansing, according to State Sen. John Proos.

Proos, R-St. Joseph, gave an update to the Niles City Council Monday night and fielded questions from the officials.
“Things have been very, very challenging,” Proos told the council. “That challenge has been most significant in job loss.”
Proos said changes to the regulatory environment, state tax structure and improvement of the education system will help draw more businesses and jobs to the state.
Proos also defended Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration’s budget that significantly cuts state spending.
“While the decisions have been difficult, businesses have to make those every day,” he said, adding there are many other areas, including prisons costs, that can be cut to help “rightsize Michigan expenditures.”
Council member Georgia Boggs asked Proos how severe the cuts will be to the education budget.
The senator explained the state will reduce funding by $150 to $200 per student, less than the $470 per pupil cut that what was originally proposed.
City Administrator Terry Eull questioned if Proos expects statutory revenue sharing for state municipalities to eventually be eliminated altogether. Eull said after the 33 percent cut this year, he is expecting it to not last much longer.
“Municipalities need that money for a reason,” Eull said.
Proos said he can’t imagine it being eliminated.
“Fifty-two percent of all statutory revenue sharing goes to the city of Detroit. The Snyder administration has made it clear they have interest in making sure Detroit succeeds,” Proos said.