LANSING – In the midst of Michigan's unprecedented fiscal and jobs crisis, Rep. Tim Melton
(D-Pontiac) held a town hall meeting Monday that focused on the state's economy and presented details on the tough choices that have to be made to resolve the budget crisis and move Michigan forward.
"Michigan must make some difficult choices at this critical crossroads to resolve the state's unprecedented fiscal and jobs crisis," Melton said. "We can choose to make Michigan a magnet for 21st century jobs by investing in essential services that will jumpstart our economy or we can keep everything the status quo and hope that things will just work out."
The presentation detailed the chronic billion-dollar shortfalls plaguing the state since 2000 and the resulting negative impact that decreasing revenue has had on staging an economic comeback and delivering essential state services to the people of Michigan. Melton explained that if the $1.8 billion hole in the budget is not balanced, it would cause more drastic reductions and eliminations to education, health care, and police and fire protection -- passing an even heavier burden on to the state's middle-class families. Furthermore, even if the state stopped funding colleges and universities or eliminated the Department of Corrections, it would not be enough to resolve the budget crisis.
Melton also used the town hall to hear from participants about proposals and alternatives being studied on how to resolve the budget crisis and make Michigan a powerhouse in the highly competitive 21st century global economy. Plans discussed included the negative impact $1.8 billion in cuts alone would have on working families, implementing a graduated income tax, raising the income tax by one percent, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's Two-Penny Plan, and a six-percent "luxury" tax on amenities.
"There are many challenges facing the people of Michigan," Melton said. "The budget crisis is at epic proportions and this is a critical time to decide what it is we want for the future of this great state. The solution will require cuts, reforms and revenues. And, it will require working together."