Update 2:31 p.m.:
A spokesperson from the Governor’s office responded via email with the following:
"The proposed budget and tax plan is based on fairness and preserving core safety net services – while improving and strengthening our economy so ALL can prosper and benefit."
2:06 p.m.:
A handful of people gathered in Ann Arbor on Monday to speak against Governor Snyder’s proposed budget for an event organized by Progress Michigan, a progressive organization. The speakers included union representatives, city officials, and individuals.
Lois Richardson is Mayor Pro-Tem of Ypsilanti and voiced criticism of the budget. She says cuts to revenue sharing and historic tax credits will devastate Ypsilanti and other cities. Richardson says the changes will affect everyone in the state of Michigan, not just those who relied directly on the funding.
Brit Satchwell is the President of the Ann Arbor teacher’s union. He says students will feel the cuts the most:
“I’m a sixth grade math teacher and I’m here to tell you, the kids don’t get a makeover year. You don’t get to do sixth grade again because the adults messed it up.”
Satchwell also said school districts like Ann Arbor have already been cutting their budgets for the past few years.
This was one of several events held across the state in preparation for a protest scheduled for Wednesday at the Capitol.
-Bridget Bodnar, Michigan Radio News
