Republicans launch budget offensive

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP (WJRT) (WJRT) -- (03/05/07)--In advance of tonight's start of Governor Jennifer Granholm's statewide budget tour, state Republicans are taking action.

They're holding a series of news conferences across the state to offer a plan that, they say, offers an alternative to tax increases.

Republicans are wasting no time in lambasting the governor over her proposed tax increases. GOP state Representative Dave Robertson, from Grand Blanc, is part of a Republican blitz today, aimed at getting the message out before the governor holds her first town hall meeting tonight.

According to Robertson, it will take real courage and leadership to fix the state's $900 million budget deficit without raising taxes. The GOP wants the budget hole patched with cuts before there is any talk of tax hikes.

"I believe that we have to do restructuring of state government, and cost containment, before we do anything else," Robertson said. "The administration wants to raise taxes. And if we raise taxes, then there'll be no incentive to engage in the needed restructuring of government."

Robertson is particularly concerned with three state departments that overspent their budgets by $70 million. He's calling for an end to overspending before any talk on this state budget.

Republicans say the state simply can't afford the 17 new programs introduced by the governor during her State of the State message.

Other than containing costs, Robertson never mentioned any specifics on how the Republicans would fix the budget. Local Democrats say at least they have a plan.

Representative Terry Brown, of Pigeon, says the state needs to cut costs by putting an end to its "special treatment" of its employess, such as State Representatives.

"I don't know of any other profession where an employee can work for 6 years and leave with health care coverage for the rest of their lives."

The governor's town hall meeting can be seen tonight on ABC12 beginning at 8.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•