They say timing is everything and no sooner do I finish reading the Center for Michigan report that shows clear support by the voters for local public services, that the latest survey of local government officials shows a continuing fiscal struggle to provide such essential services.
This latest Michigan Public Policy Survey from the University of Michigan Center for Local, State and Urban Policy shows the impact of falling tax revenues and aid on local governments, at the same time that they face increasing service demands and rising costs to provide services.
You put two and two together and you still get four. Meaning that the CFM and UM studies clearly show that the billions of dollars in revenue sharing cuts over the last decade have taken their toll on the ability of local officials to meet the needs of residents while at the same time forcing them to go to the voters for tax increases.
The bottom line is that legislators can talk all they want about how they support public safety and other local services, but the fact of the matter is that the decisions they've made over the last several years has only meant a washing of their hands down to local officials and local taxpayers to address critical needs. Welcome to the new "trickle-down".
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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