Press Release

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2009

Contact: Summer Minnick
517-420-3800

MML Response to Bleak Revenue Estimating Conference Figures

LANSING, Mich. — With state budget officials releasing bleak revenue forecasts for Fiscal Year 2010 today, it is critical that the Legislature stop slashing funds that pay for police officers and firefighters, safe drinking water and sewer systems, and other essential local services. In addition to reductions in revenue sharing funds, local governments are seeing significant reductions in property taxes and are already struggling to operate. We are concerned that many cities are teetering on the edge of financial collapse. The state needs to support Michigan’s communities, not push them into bankruptcy. Now is the time for the Legislature and the Governor to propose real tax reform and reexamine priorities. They need to invest in communities and provide the kinds of places people want to live and work in order to revitalize Michigan’s struggling economy and return to prosperity.
For additional information please contact Summer Minnick, Director of State Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League at 517-420-3800.

The Michigan Municipal League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. For more information, visit www.mml.org.

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