Poll: Cut Education Funding, Voters May Not Return You

by: LiberalLucy

Fri Jul 03, 2009 at 14:40:42 PM EDT

While Republicans appear to be running rampant with burning torches and pitchforks chanting "Slash and Burn!" through the state's budget, it might be worth their while to pay careful attention to a recent poll released last week.

Cut early childhood development and education funding and consider yourself on the chopping block.

From Monday's subscription-only MIRS-

Three-quarters of voters say it is personally important to them to protect early childhood development and education from funding cuts, with 44 percent saying it is extremely important to them and 31 percent saying very important. At least six out of 10 voters across demographic and political subgroups say it is extremely or very important to protect early childhood development and education from funding cuts.

A majority of voters say they would cast their vote depending on a candidate's position on this issue. Fifty-four percent of voters say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who came out in favor of maintaining funding for early childhood development and education, 31 percent were much more likely; 10 percent less likely; 32 percent no difference. Additionally, 54 percent of voters say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who came out in favor of reducing funding for early childhood development and education, 38 percent were much less likely, 15 percent more likely and 26 percent no difference.

Of course this comes on the heels of last week's axing of the Michigan Promise Grant by the Senate Republicans, but only a handful of the caucus are facing re-election. The rest are termed out, allowing them to show their true colors, i.e. kids be damned, or something to that effect.

So while they keep the slash and burn mentality, the rest of us are left repeatedly hearing news like this alternative high school that's being forced to close, providing a much-needed second chance for teens.

The Legislature is out for the summer recess, but between this poll and the findings of the Cherry Report in '04, you'd think that sooner or later that the Republicans would wise up when it comes to cutting off funding for education. That is, if they ever hope to gain power or seats again. 

Message from Governor Granholm to college students

by: ScottyUrb

Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 20:57:36 PM EDT

August is underway and that means friends are moving into their first apartments in Ann Arbor and Mt. Pleasant, parents are taking their sons and daughters to back-to-school sales in East Lansing and Grand Rapids, and freshmen are finalizing their first classes in Marquette and Kalamazoo. All across our state, this is a time when students should be excited for the start of another year at Michigan's top-notch colleges and universities. But, instead, recent spikes in college tuition rates have left Michigan families worried about how they're going to afford school and still keep gas in their tanks and food on the table. Many of you are just plain mad.

You should be. And I am, too.

As a parent, I'm mad about the dent these tuition hikes will put in our pocketbooks. Like many of you, my own daughter is starting college this fall. The dramatic rise in tuition and fees was an unwelcome surprise for our family and, most likely, for yours.

When you're opening your tuition bill in the coming weeks, it might seem easy to blame your school for the sharp increase. But the real problem is in Lansing. Michigan is in the middle of an urgent budget crisis and, so far, our legislature has failed to act.

Come below the fold for some ways to take action:

Gov soft on school salary transparency?

by: David Boyle

Thu Aug 09, 2007 at 17:22:17 PM EDT

  "GRAND RAPIDS -- School districts and universities should be forced to post salaries and spending information on their Web sites so taxpayers can see where their money is going, a group of Republican lawmakers says.
  State Rep. Dave Agema, R-Grandville, said Wednesday that such transparency might prompt governments and schools to be more efficient and look for places to cut before demanding tax hikes and tuition increases.
  While some leading Democrats said there might be support from across the aisle, Gov. Jennifer Granholm's spokeswoman Liz Boyd slammed the plan as a "distraction" and said the Republicans should be focused on passing a budget "instead of telling other people how they should do their jobs when they are not doing their own job." ..."

  Note: there are "leading Democrats" who support this, as do I, regardless of party. (In the spirit that if a Dem says 2 + 2 = 5, and a Repub says 2 + 2 = 4, I will, if regretfully, be forced to side with the Repub, as would we all.)
  And precisely as a Democrat, I don't want some overpaid fat cat taking my taxpayer money without justification.

  Boyd's response is too laughable for words; if she wants to portray J. Grho as someone who really doesn't want Michigan citizens to know about waste and cronyism, she couldn't be doing a better job. Perhaps Boyd could be retrained or replaced? Better that than risk having people want to replace La Gov herself. . .

WSU Says 'Thanks for the Hike, Mike!'

by: LiberalLucy

Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 17:58:48 PM EDT

So with cries of 'Thanks for the Hike, Mike!' echoing all around Michigan, here to chime in are the good folks from Wayne State University.

To do your part you can add your name and email to the list-serv bishopstuitionhike@gmail.com

or

Join nearly 500 other concerned citizens from around the state in the Facebook Group

Thanks for the Hike, Mike!

by: LiberalLucy

Fri Jul 20, 2007 at 14:15:25 PM EDT

There was a great event in Ann Arbor yesterday, and between all of the U of M Regents who stopped by to talk to us, the visitors at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, and all of the Detroit, Ann Arbor, and even Lansing media, it was an effective event.

Two U of M students testified before the Board of Regents, and despite a Republican Regent attempting to block one of the student's from speaking (definitely watch the video for the full story), these students are making an impact.

Check out the video, and join our Facebook Group (320+ members and counting).

Whether you're a student, a parent of a student, or just know someone either in college or who will be going to college, you have the ability to change the course.

Contact Mike Bishop and tell him not to raise your tuition:

Office Address: S-106 Capitol

Mailing Address:

Senator Mike Bishop
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

By Phone: (517) 373-2417

By Fax: (517) 373-2694

By Email: mbishop@senate.michigan.gov