MichMash: Educators unhappy with Michigan Legislature on school funding
With just two weeks remaining until summer recess, there are significant issues Michigan Democrats need to overcome — including the July 1 deadline for the state budget.
Teachers and educators are opposed to Michigan lawmakers’ recent state funding plan.
MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben discuss the impacts this could have on Michigan Democrats in November. They’re also joined by State Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) to discuss a proposal to tax short term rentals.
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In this episode:
- School groups and teacher unions say lawmakers should not pass a long-term economic development funding plan.
- Bill proposal to tax short term rentals.
- How State Rep. Fitzgerald feels about the top of the ticket for November elections.
Historically, teachers and educators have been on the same page as Democrats when it comes to education policies. The high stakes in November’s election might influence Democrats to make more concessions than they anticipated.
“House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Angela Witwer told reporters recently that lawmakers will always work with our teachers. And given that Democrats are staring down what could be a very tight election and want to keep their majority in the House, this feels like a group they really can’t afford to lose right now,” Cheyna said.
With just two weeks remaining until summer recess, these are significant issues Michigan Democrats need to overcome — including the July 1 deadline for the state budget.
The MichMash team also tackled the subject of short term rentals. State Rep. John Fitzgerald supports the proposal to tax alternative lodging facilities. The housing stock is finite and the talks around investment is what encouraged this proposal.
“These short term rental units are not only seen as investments…but new year-round residence,” said Fitzgerald.
The focus of the bill proposal is to support the attraction to Michigan and fulfill the needs of the community.
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