State Sen. Mike Bishop, R-12th District, sees two options for solving the state’s budget troubles ? cut spending to match revenue, or increase revenue to match spending.
‘It’s a battle,? Bishop told Clarkson Area Chamber of Commerce members at their lunch mixer Aug. 23.
‘Do we live within our means, adjust expenditures to revenues, give up certain things? ? The flip side is to keep present expenditures and find a way to pay for them.?
That would mean tax increases, an approach he intends to prevent, he said.
‘There has been all different kinds of proposals ? beer tax, estate tax, two-cent plan,? he said. ?(But) the vast majority believe it shouldn’t be balanced on the backs of taxpayers.?
Shrinking tax revenues caused by loss of auto industry, population shifts, and other economic factors have put Michigan more than $1 billion in debt.
‘Michigan is in an incredible crisis ? I know all of you know that,? Bishop said. ‘The only way to turn this around is to get our house in order.?
With Democrats in the Michigan House of Representatives and governor’s office, Bishop sees himself as part of the loyal opposition, he said.
‘My job is to stand up for you and make sure things don’t move too fast.?
The Republican version of the state budget includes cuts to all state budgets, with the exception of state police and school funding.
‘The public school system is the key to quality of life ? we won’t cut it,? he said.
Members of the state house and senate are working hard to negotiate a budget, but strong political rhetoric due to the approaching Oct. 1 budget deadline has made it more difficult, he said.
?’Raise taxes or people will die? ? I’ve been hearing a lot of that,? he said. ‘We’re not going to push pregnant women out of hospitals.?

Questions for
the senator

The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce meeting included time for questions-and-answers with state Sen. Mike Bishop, including:
Move up Michigan’s primary to January?
‘It’s a good move for the state of Michigan ? Michigan is now in the mix.?
Michigan, a right-to-work state?
‘The governor wouldn’t sign it, but it’s been beneficial to have a state-wide discussion.?
Part-time legislature for Michigan?
‘I love the idea of a part-time legislature ? we need to look at that and not be afraid to change that.?
Health care?
?1.1 million people in Michigan don’t have health insurance ? that’s staggering and unacceptable.?
Universal health care?
‘You would pay through the nose to get it, and it doesn’t solve the problem of rising costs.?