LANSING – State Representative Joan Bauer (D-Lansing) said today that while she is prepared to make tough decisions in order to balance the state budget, she will fight to protect programs essential to jumpstarting Michigan's economy, moving the state into the future and protecting our most vulnerable citizens. These priorities include K-12 education, scholarships including the Michigan Promise, local police and fire protection, and health care for kids and seniors.
"We're facing a huge budget gap here in Michigan, and I'm ready to make the tough decisions that we need in order to put our state back on sound financial footing," said Bauer, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. "But we must not compromise on the safety of our residents, the quality education our kids need or health care for our kids and seniors. We just can't turn our backs on the families that are struggling the most in this economy."
Bauer said she looks forward to continuing to work with the Senate and the Governor to protect key investments that will help Michigan prosper in the 21st century.
"Providing Michigan students with the quality education they deserve is absolutely essential to prepare them for the jobs of the 21st century," Bauer said. "We've done that with the Michigan Promise Scholarship, which has helped thousands of middle class families with the costs of college. We should keep that promise and ensure that college remains affordable and accessible for everybody. If we want to pull Michigan out of this economic crisis, we need to continue to invest in our kids – not make counterproductive cuts that will drive away businesses and jobs."