Wednesday

April 2, 2008

Sen. Glenn S. Anderson (D-Westland)
Sen. Glenn S. Anderson (D-Westland) represents the 6th District, which includes the communities of Livonia, Westland, Garden City, and Redford Township.  He also serves as the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader, and is a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Revenue Sharing Increases Will Help Locals
Continue Michigan’s Economic Transformation

In this challenging economy, Michigan’s local governments have done an excellent job of continuing to provide quality services to their communities, while state revenue sharing has been stagnant in recent years.  Fortunately, Governor Granholm’s 2009 budget recommendations included some good news for the state’s local governments.  Under the proposals that were introduced this February, the 2009 budget would include the first increase in statutory revenue sharing since 2001.

Funding for cities, villages, and townships (CVTs) would increase 3.1% over their 2008 levels.  While there are over 900 local units that are not expected to receive statutory payments for the 2008 budget year, all CVTs would receive funding to offset expected declines in constitutional payments for 2009.  This means no communities will experience an overall funding decrease for the coming budget year, while many will enjoy an increase.  The governor’s proposal also includes $2.4 million to replenish local reserve funds for county withdrawals.

Michigan’s long-term economic transformation will take shape at the local level, and you are on the front lines of this important work.  Providing reliable public safety services, making improvements to local infrastructure, and working to beautify our cities and towns will make Michigan a state where young workers will want to live, and businesses will choose to invest.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and as a former councilman, I understand the challenges associated with producing a fiscally responsible budget that balances government efficiency and the need to provide quality public services.  That’s why I’m proud of the work being done by municipal governments across the state to serve their communities, and will continue to fight for the proposed revenue sharing increases in the state budget.

Check back tomorrow to hear from Sen. Gilda Jacobs.