The House yesterday passed three bills in the House Democratic leadership plan to restore cuts to revenue sharing, Medicaid, k-12 education and higher education grants (about $400 million). Today the House will consider the rest of the package (three more bills). While not the long term plan we've been advocating, the funds generated by these bills will go directly towards restoring revenue sharing, our top priority right now. The League will continue urging the Legislature for a permanent solution so communities are not faced with cuts year after year. The proposal would put approximately $400 million into the new Michigan Future Fund, $84.8 million of which would go to restore revenue sharing for cities, villages, townships and counties back to the FY '09 level. Also, senators are expressing great interest in adding government reforms to the plan, potentially Public Act 312 reforms and tools to assist communities. OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU: Please urge your legislators to support bills to restore revenue sharing. We need to stress that public safety and other community services are at risk and these targeted revenues can go a long way in ensuring Michigan communities are safe and attractive. Please also continue urging Gov. Granholm to veto the general government (revenue sharing) budget, unless she also has a bill to reinstate the cuts (talking points and contact information).

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