State Rep. Matt Lori, R-Constantine, Thursday (February 9th) issued the following statement on Gov. Rick Snyder’s budget message:
“I am encouraged by the fact that we are building on our past success and have measurable evidence that Michigan is headed in the right direction, thanks mainly to the very difficult choices we have made in the past year.
“We were fiscally responsible when finances were down, and we will continue to show restraint now that things are finally improving. We remain committed to using taxpayer money where it will have the most effect in improving the lives of Michiganders.
“I am very pleased the governor is putting an emphasis on public safety. While our main focus is still job creation, businesses require a safe environment, and job creators are more likely to choose Michigan as a base of operations if our streets and neighborhoods are safe.
“The governor has proposed increases in education funding, which reverses a trend from the previous budget. School districts that observe best practices and those that achieve the most success in the classroom are eligible for additional funds. We have shifted about $200 million from the general fund to the school aid fund, compared to last year.
“We remain committed to reforming state government and spending practices to achieve long-term results, not just making one-time fixes that have no lasting impact. I look forward to working on a responsible and realistic spending plan.”
Source: News release from state Rep. Matt Lori
