Oakland County Democratic Party Chair calls out Republican state legislators for undermining both the governor and the best interests of Michiganders
OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — As budget-related bills move forward in the Michigan legislature, Republicans are continuously tying aid for Michiganders to limiting Gov. Whitmer’s power. GOP lawmakers are playing politics with drastic cuts to everything from education to the environment and putting their power grab ahead of the best interests of Michigan citizens
“The proposed budget bills fall short for Michiganders on every front and underscore the true colors of a Republican-dominated legislature,” said Oakland County Democratic Party Chair Jody LaMacchia.
“Republicans in Lansing would rather cripple the powers of a Democratic governor than solve the critical issues facing Michigan families and pave the way for a true recovery.”
“An especially glaring example is their complete elimination of the Futures for Frontliners program. More than 120,000 healthcare and frontline workers are already enrolled in the first-in-the-nation and highly regarded initiative for free college tuition. Republicans are turning their back on the very people who’ve saved lives and continually put their own at risk during the pandemic.” LaMacchia added.
Under the Republican proposed bills, these programs implemented by Gov. Whitmer also would be eliminated:
- Michigan Reconnect, a tuition-free pathway to an in-demand industry certificate or associates degree for eligible students over the age of 25;
- Wraparound services related to Futures for Frontliners that help single parents currently enrolled in school with child care and counseling;
- $43.7 million in the governor’s budget designated for Michigan workforce development;
- Funding that would reduce health disparities in Michigan following a deadly pandemic that disproportionately affected people and communities of color;
- The Office of Rural Development created to help families and businesses in rural Michigan with high-speed internet, retaining and attracting talent, and infrastructure improvement, and;
- Grants to communities to fix infrastructure issues related to severe flooding and storms just one year after the devastating floods in central Michigan. The House bill would eliminate them completely; the Senate proposes drastic cuts.
“Their actions add insult to the already egregious injury of the $3.3 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funding that’s collecting dust in the State Treasury because the Republican Legislature won’t release it to the schools, families and businesses that are struggling and in desperate need,” LaMacchia said.
“We’re urging residents to contact their Republican legislators and tell them to put people over politics. Oakland County families will not stand for a budget that doesn’t prioritize getting Michigan back on track.”
For more information about the proposed cuts and their damaging fallout, click here:
House and Senate Budget Bills Fall Short for Michigan.
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MEDIA INFO: Please call (248) 505-3655 or email chair@ocdp.org with any interview request.
ABOUT THE OCPD:
The Oakland County Democratic Party is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote social and economic justice by building an engaged, diverse, Democratic majority in Oakland County in order to enhance the quality of life for all. Membership is open to all Oakland County residents who are eligible to vote. For more information, go to https://ocdp.org or call 248-972-6400.
We hope that you are doing well. If you have any questions, please reach out to staff@ocdp.org.
-Jody & Marci