“Tonight the Governor demonstrated strong leadership by offering several innovative solutions that will help address the problems many Michigan citizens are facing. Even though we face extremely difficult challenges, we must view this as an opportunity to reform and streamline government and insist on increased accountability from our state bureaucracy. All non-essential state services must be either cut or eliminated and all of our efforts must be focused on creating jobs for our workforce. I strongly support consolidating state departments like the DEQ and DNR to improve efficiency and reduce expenses. Families across the state are tightening their belts and making fundamental changes to cope with this difficult economy. We can demand no less from the State of Michigan.”

“Finally, I was especially pleased to hear the Governor call for a moratorium against utility shutoffs during the winter months. Rep. Jeff Mayes and I also recently called for a moratorium on utility shutoffs after the tragic death of Marvin Schur. We need to do everything possible to ensure that those who are struggling to pay their bills are protected against winter utility shutoffs.”

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