Michigan’s structural deficit is similar to the those faced by cities, counties and families all over our state.
The state budget is in need of a balanced approach similar to the one we put together in Macomb County: 25% from the county’s fund balance, 60% in real cuts that includes across-the-board reductions, streamlining departments, workforce reductions, consolidations, efficiencies, public/public partnerships and labor negotiations, along with 15% in new revenue. Moving forward and making tough decisions, based on honest discussions in the face of those vested in the status quo, gave Macomb County a balanced budget for 2010 for the first time in 6 years.
For Michigan, the old foundations have been shaken. We have no choice but to do more with less. We will have to tighten our belts, and ask for shared sacrifice. Legislators must lead or get out of the way. We will have to be fair and forward-looking. In the end we will have to find a balance rather than casting blame for what has or has not been done in the past. Our future hangs very much in the balance.
