Our Capital
How many threats of state government shutdown do Michigan citizens have to face before a solution is found?
As state legislators struggle to agree on an annual budget before today’s deadline, we’re once again reminded of the necessity to see that this impasse doesn’t happen again. The reasons for firm action on this issue are practically endless.
For example, local units of government such as schools, cities and villages depend on state aid and revenue sharing to create their budgets. Furthermore, many of these budgets must be prepared by June 30. Rather than guessing about how much money they would receive from the State of Michigan, they should have solid figures to properly prepare budgets.
There must be a strong incentive to motivate legislators to get a budget agreement long before the September 30 deadline.
Republican Mike Bouchard, a candidate for Governor, has come up with a plan that, although controversial, is worthy of serious consideration. He proposes that a state budget deadline be set by May 15 of each year. Every day after that deadline a budget agreement is not passed, the Governor and every legislator would be docked a day’s pay.
I believe that would get state governmental leaders’ attention.
Such a proposal makes a lot of sense to me. What do you think?
