ADOPTED - JUNE 12, 2007

Agenda Item No. 14

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the: 

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING STATE REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS

RESOLUTION #07-126

WHEREAS, revenue forecasts for the state continue to predict further budget shortfalls for the State of Michigan in the current and upcoming fiscal years; and

WHEREAS, the state has already made billions of dollars in spending cuts over the past four fiscal years; and

WHEREAS, these cuts have had a significant negative impact on services ranging from education and public safety to environmental protection and health care; and

WHEREAS, further cuts would put Michigan and Ingham County at risk of program reductions that would seriously reduce the quality of life of our citizens and place our most vulnerable populations in jeopardy; and

WHEREAS, the ongoing structural deficit is hurting Michigan’s standing in terms of its ability to attract investment and new residents; and

WHEREAS, Ingham County is home to thousands of state employees who are threatened with lay offs should the state budget situation not improve.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners favors the implementation of state tax increases which will end the structural budget deficit currently faced by the state thereby protecting funds for vital County services including K-12 education, higher education, fire protection grants, health care and local governmental services. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent all Ingham County legislators, chairs of both house and senate caucuses, members of the appropriations committees of the house and senate, the Governor’s Office, and the Michigan Association of Counties to show our support for their efforts to increase revenues and find a long-term solution to Michigan’s fiscal crisis.

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  De Leon, Nolan, Copedge, Soule

Nays:  Severino, Dougan        Absent:  None         Approved 6/5/07

FINANCE:  Yeas:  Celentino, Weatherwax-Grant, Grebner, Hertel, Tennis    

Nays:  Dougan         Absent:  None       Approved 6/6/07