Press Release
Contact:
Matt Bach
Director of Communications
Michigan Municipal League
(734) 669-6317; C: (810) 874-1073
[email protected]; www.mml.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 6, 2020
Michigan Municipal League Statement on Governor Whitmer’s Proposed 2020-21 Budget
The following statement regarding the 2020-21 proposed budget from Governor Gretchen Whitmer can be attributed to Michigan Municipal League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin.
“While the 2.5-percent increase in statutory revenue sharing is appreciated, it is important that policymakers recognize it is still about $50 million less than it was nine years ago, when Gov. Rick Snyder took office. It is $700 million short of full funding under the statutory formula, which is repeatedly ignored by the Legislature and Administration.
Michigan’s cities are battling to provide the vital services needed to retain our talent, create jobs, and attract new residents and businesses to Michigan. This budget and our overall state and local revenue picture continues to need work so that we can stem the population losses Michigan is experiencing when compared to other states.
The Michigan Municipal League is pleased to see that Governor Whitmer has heard our members’ concerns and is supporting $40 million for high lake level and shoreline erosion grants. This is extremely important, but we encourage the Legislature and Administration to consider accelerating access to those grants to help protect critical infrastructure that is at risk today.
Lastly, our members remain concerned about the state’s inability to find additional revenues for local road maintenance and repair, instead focusing all new bonding revenue on the state road network.”
For additional information, contact Matt Bach, Michigan Municipal League communications director, at [email protected] and (734) 669-6317.
About the League: Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The 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. Learn more at mml.org.