Aldo hits one out of the park re: the state budget!!!

[maddogesq]

This was in the Observer today. Ahhhh common sense: It's a beautiful thing. :)

<snip>

Vagnozzi: We need earlier budget deadline

State Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi, D-Farmington Hills, announced a new plan to
move the deadlines up on presenting certain state budgets to the
governor.

"When it comes to the state budget, as lawmakers, we have a duty to
the people we represent to put the politics aside and do what's right
to move Michigan forward," said Vagnozzi, who is serving his final
term, due to term limits. "As the end of the fiscal year fast
approaches, a possible government shutdown is a very real threat. A
state shutdown would have dire consequences for Michigan, putting both
our residents and our communities at risk."

Currently, the fiscal year for Michigan runs from Oct. 1 - Sept. 30,
with an annual state budget deadline of Sept. 30. Vagnozzi's proposal
calls for the Legislature to present all general appropriation bills
for the succeeding fiscal period to the governor on or before July 1
of each fiscal year.

Vagnozzi's legislation would be in line with local governments, school
boards and colleges, whose fiscal year begins July 1. At the present
time, they have to wait three months before they know how much state
funding they will be getting.

Last year, New Jersey shut down, affecting the Department of
Education, parts of the state Judiciary, state beaches and parks,
historic sites, and more than 45,000 state employees. Their casinos
were closed, causing a ripple effect that cost the state $1.3 million
in revenue every day the shutdown lasted. The state lottery also was
closed down.

"The people of Michigan should not have to live in fear each year
wondering if their elected leaders will turn their backs on them if
they cannot negotiate a budget," Vagnozzi said. "This plan will ensure
that the political posturing and last minute budget agreements are
done in a timely and efficient manner that won't force Michigan into a
shutdown, negating the state's ability to deliver essential services
to our citizens."
<end snip>

Remember that under the eeee-vil reign of Chief Big Turd, the budget deadline was pushed back.

[DJ MEW]

1. How about an easy to understand spreadsheet detailing what programs get what.

Wouldn't that be great. So I could see where the money that should be helping to cover the cost of higher education is acutally being spent. I would love to be able to see in a simple bar graph a comparison of what state programs are getting what for the year.