Budget Resolution from Michigan Alzheimer's Association

THE STATE BUDGET CRISIS

Whereas, after seven straight years of state budget deficits and four years of budget cuts, we are facing yet another $3 billion shortfall in state revenues for the current and 2007-08 fiscal years; and

Whereas, the Governor has already cut over $3.6 billion from the state’s budget over the past four years, has cut more from the state’s budget than any previous governor, and is operating the state with fewer state employees than we had in 1970; and

Whereas, we have cut major taxes over 32 times in the past decade, our unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the country, our auto industry continues to struggle, and we have now eliminated the Single Business Tax (SBT) with no replacement for the $1.2 billion in revenue generated from this tax;

Whereas, the State of Michigan has baseline responsibilities to public health and the welfare of its citizens that cannot be abolished and while the identification and elimination of unproductive discretionary expenses should be a first priority, it is irresponsible to assume that state government can continue to suffer budget cuts year after year without affecting its constitutional responsibilities;

Therefore be it resolved, that the Alzheimer’s Association calls on the Michigan Legislature to demonstrate bipartisan leadership by raising revenues as necessary to avoid further cuts to Medicaid services and other services provided to seniors and persons with disabilities, including persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.