"We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible." - President Barack Obama
State Rep. Robert Dean, D-Grand Rapids, said he might agree to a budget deal with deep cuts to have a balanced plan in place before the Oct. 1 deadline. But he said there is the potential for amendments to return some money if both sides can agree on tax increases or other revenue enhancements. - Grand Rapids Press
The committee reports cannot be amended on the floor of the Legislature. They must be voted up or down. - Detroit News
"Children are going to get hurt in this game of chicken, and that's really unfortunate." - Ron Koehler, Kent Intermediate School District assistant superintendent
"It's a step in the wrong direction and it's time for people to stand up and say, 'No, enough is enough,'"- Grand Rapids Superintendent Bernard Taylor
"We are telling our friends in the Legislature that you and you alone will own any decision to support the proposed cuts-only budget," said Mark Gaffney of Michigan AFL-CIO in a statement. "When you go back to your districts next month and try to explain why you chose to put cities into bankruptcy, close prisons, slash school funding and remove water protections instead of ending corporate tax loopholes and other reforms we will not have your back. You are on your own." - Gongwer News Service
"Ditto." - wizardkitten
I've often wondered where the line was. Voting for Mike Bishop's slash-and-burn fiscal policy is it.
George Cushingberry tells the Freep that this strategy will scare people - including Republicans - into accepting a tax increase that he plans to push after the cuts are made, "perhaps as soon as next week".
Well, if they aren't scared by these "draconian" cuts now, why in the world would they be scared after the Democratic leadership of the House has made this a "bipartisan" deal and has provided plenty of political cover for these cuts?
"We're confident there is nothing in the way that will keep us from completing the budget," said Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester.
If the House Democrats think they are going to came back after the fact and try to blame this on the Republicans because they wouldn't vote for revenue after the cuts are made, they are wrong. And they are fools.
And if Marsden thinks there is "nothing in the way" at this point, I'm wondering which 4 Senate Democrats he is counting on to complete the Bishop-Dillon budget for him.