LANSING--- On Monday, Governor Granholm line-item vetoed funding in the 2009-10 School Aid Budget, which included $4.9 million in cuts to Livonia Public Schools or $481 per student, a cut of $316 in addition to the $165 foundation cut applied to schools statewide. Clarenceville Public Schools will also feel the impact of the decision with a cut of over $500,000 to the district or $318 per student from the loss of the 20J funds.

In response, Senator Glenn S. Anderson has reached out to Livonia Public Schools’ Superintendent Randy Liepa, Clarenceville Public Schools’ Superintendent Pamela Swert and State Representative John Walsh to discuss the situation and develop a strategy on how best to move forward to seek a solution for Livonia’s school children. He also plans to engage other legislators from both sides of the aisle in an attempt to resolve this budget crisis.

“I have spoken with Superintendent Liepa and I share his outrage at this decision,” said Senator Anderson. “I am extremely disappointed that Governor Granholm and Senator Majority Leader Mike Bishop have been unable to negotiate a reasonable agreement on the School Aid budget. This outcome amounts to balancing the budget on the backs of school children. I call on them to immediately sit down and reach a compromise and not continue to put our kids in the middle of their political fight over the budget. None of our school districts can absorb such devastating cuts and continue to deliver a quality education to our students.”

The line-item veto is a power granted to the Governor’s Office by the Michigan State Constitution. As prescribed in Article IV Section 33 a line-item veto may be overturned by a 2/3 vote of each house beginning with the house in which the bill originated. The School Aid budget having originated with the House of Representatives must first receive an override vote in the House before the State Senate can take any action.

“I am committed to working with members of both parties to address this crucial funding issue,” said Senator Anderson. “Over the years, Livonia School District residents have made significant investments to maintain one of Michigan’s most successful school districts and on a personal level, my two adult children received an exceptional education from this great district. Livonia’s public school system has been the center of the community and has attracted families to the city for generations. We must work to ensure a strong future for our schools and I’m committed to continuing a strong partnership with both districts in Livonia to see that we maintain quality schools.”

# # #