While the election of 2010 will bring changes to Congress, the issues before them will remain the same. One of the more pressing set of those is how to deal with the nations burgeoning deficit.
Earlier this year, President Obama commissioned a federal commission to study the issue. And last week, the chairmen of that group, former Republican Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming and Erskine Bowles, a Democrat, sparked a political firestorm when they released preliminary recommendations.
Among the items contained in the report are cuts to social security, elimination of the mortgate interest,child tax credit, as well as tax increases. The draft recommendations also include changes to programs of importance to communities. Now, the 18 members of the fiscal commission must meet to forge an agreement that will then be sent to Congress.
Much like our own state legislature, Congress and the President have no shortage of critical issues before them. How they are settled will have long term implications for communities not only in Michigan but across the country.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail
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