Executive Budget Calls for 4-Percent
Increase in Statutory Revenue Sharing!
2008-9 Budget Holds Promise for MI Communities!

February 7, 2008
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Revenue Sharing

The 2008-9 executive budget calls for a 4-percent boost in statutory revenue sharing, $16 million more to communities! The largest percentage increase to any part of the budget, it shows the governor has recognized what League members have been saying for years; giving locals the opportunity to provide services and programs that create quality of life will attract the talent and employers Michigan needs to compete in the new economy.

Transportation

Through the executive budget, the governor called for a $3.42 billion transportation budget, $1.5 billion of which would support 25-26 identified Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects. However, no increases to bus operating, bus capital and city and village roads and bridges were provided for in the budget. However, other transportation funds will not be transferred to the General Fund thereby preventing reductions to programs like the Transportation Economic Development Fund Grant program or for the bus operating assistance program. This is a welcome executive recommendation after these funds have been used to fill budget gaps in prior years.

Fire Protection Grants

Under the governor's budget, communities that receive fire protection grants will receive payments equal to the appropriated FY 2007-8 amounts, which total $10.9 million.

The Days Ahead

Today's budget presentation was a promising first step in determining the FY 2008-9 budget, but there is plenty of work ahead. With the unrelenting support of our members, League staff will now focus on working with the Michigan Legislature to advocate for the increase in revenue sharing and gaining increases in funding for fire protection grants, transportation funding and other priorities to create vibrant communities and turn Michigan around. Contact: Summer Minnick

Contact State and Federal Affairs Division - 517.908.0305
Arnold Weinfeld, aweinfeld@mml.org
Summer Minnick, sminnick@mml.org
David Worthams, dworthams@mml.org
Andy Schor, aschor@mml.org
Samantha Jones, sjones@mml.org
Andrea Messinger, amessinger@mml.org
Nikole Brown, nbrown@mml.org