Michigan voters will have their say on the heavily debated topic of public school funding this November.
The K-16 Coalition for Michigan’s Future started a successful petition drive in Fall 2005 to place a proposal on the November ballot asking the state to increase annual funding for K-16 public schools, community colleges and universities to equal the rate of inflation.
After submitting the necessary number of signatures for review, the state legislature had a 40-day window to take action on the proposal. When that time limit expired and no action was taken on the state level, the proposal was automatically added to the November ballot.
Though the proposal found support from various groups and individuals throughout the state, local representatives continue to express their concern over the proposal as the election draws closer.
State Representative John Stakoe is very concerned that the coalition’s proposals and the ‘Michigan Stop Overspending? proposal ? which would require voter approval for certain expenditures ? would greatly restrict the legislature’s ability to function properly.
‘This is going to cause a real nightmare,? Stakoe said, who added both proposals will jeopardize the legislative process and remove a large amount of power from state officials.
However, Stakoe said he is optimistic about the public’s perception of the measure and even though he has not seen a polling on the matter, believes people will see the big picture come election time.
‘People understand that this is why you elected us,? Stakoe said.
Senator Mike Bishop is worried, however, that campaigning for the issue will cause people to vote emotionally.
‘I think the public needs to be educated on the situation,? Bishop said.
‘I understand and appreciate the need for funding for schools,? said Bishop, who in the past has described the coalition’s methods for furthering the debate as ‘counterproductive? and ‘irresponsible.?
Bishop’s criticisms came in response to what he called an all-or-nothing argument by the coalition that implied opponents of the proposal do not support education.
‘Supporting our schools is somethings we all want to do,? said Bishop, who continues to voice his concern over the proposal and how mandated funding will take away from other parts of the budget.
‘This sort of thing is a budget-buster,? he said.
The matter is, however, no longer in the hands of state officials, and voters will make the final decision regarding the proposal on November 7.