Press Release

July, 23, 2009

Governor Sides with MML Against Cuts Threatening Public Safety
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Municipal League (MML) agrees with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, who recently publicly commented that she wants to make sure upcoming budget cuts don't threaten public safety or undermine the state's economic future (Gov. disputes 'dangerous cuts').

According to the article, “The Democratic governor has proposed cuts to tax revenue sharing payments that help local governments pay for police, fire departments and other services. But she won't support even deeper cuts passed by the Republican-led Senate.”
The League agrees with this and calls on the Governor and her budget negotiators to hold firm on this position and reject the Senate cuts in budget targets and conference committee.

Revenue sharing funds essential local services, including police and fire protection, safe drinking water, sewer systems, road and bridge maintenance and more.

The cuts of the past eight years have already caused the layoffs of more than 2,400 firefighters and nearly 2,000 police officers statewide. The Senate's proposed budget cuts to revenue sharing could double the current number of police and firefighter layoffs.

“In addition to plummeting property values, revenue sharing cuts are a recipe for disaster that will prevent local governments from providing even the most fundamental of public services like police and fire protection," said Dan Gilmartin, MML CEO and Executive Director.

The Michigan Municipal League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. For more information, visit www.mml.org.

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