LANSING, Mich.--During today's Senate Session, Senate Democratic Leader Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming) gave a statement calling on his Senate Republican colleagues to act in good faith and consider all proposals as budget negotiations progress. He also outlined the Senate Democrats' important budget priorities that are necessary to preserve in order to assist with the state's economic recovery.

As was the case during the Senate's budget debate earlier this summer, Senator Prusi reiterated the priorities that the Senate Democrats will continue to fight for during the budget process:

· Upholding the Michigan Promise Grant scholarships to ensure students have a chance to receive a college education to pursue a viable career;

· Protecting funding for vital early childhood education that lays the foundation for a child's future success;

· Continuing state support for local communities to fund police and fire safety and the water and sewer infrastructure that families depend on.

· And maintaining economic development programs that are helping create much-needed jobs in Michigan.

A video of Sen. Prusi's statement on the budget from today can be seen here: http://www.senate.mi.gov/demcaucus/play.php?id=847.

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