LANSING – State Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit), in response to Gov. Rick Snyder’s State of the State Address, said that the Legislature needs to focus on making Michigan’s economy work for everyone. Snyder addressed the looming budget deficit, caused by massive tax breaks and incentives to big corporations. Coupled with tax increases on seniors and working families, Michigan’s recovery lags behind the rest of the nation.
“I look forward to continued discussion on how we can solve our deficit by changing our priorities, like increased investment in education,” Gay-Dagnogo said. “Michigan’s middle class came from good schools. It’s time we place our focus back on that instead of special treatment for corporations.”
Snyder also mentioned his desire to increase focus on education, mentioning the desire to prioritize early education, ensuring students do not fall behind in reading by third grade and urban education. Gay-Dagnogo was excited to announce her inclusion to a 31 member coalition to improve city schools, and expressed her desire to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle on improving Detroit and Michigan schools.
“The first step toward creating good education policy is finding consensus on what makes a good school,” Gay-Dagnogo said. “It is my hope that this governor will take charge in finding bipartisan solutions to improving Michigan education systems.”
Gay-Dagnogo reiterated House Democrats’ priorities of working for everyday people on several issues. Education funding is still down after it was significantly cut in 2011, and legislation to better regulate for-profit charter schools was left to die. Legislative Republicans caved to special interest demands on women’s health care, making it harder for Michigan’s women to access the health services they need. And rather than continuing the failed approach of massive handouts to wealthy corporations, House Democrats want to increase support for entrepreneurs and the small businesses that truly drive our economy.
“The economy is doing great if you’re wealthy or well-connected,” Gay-Dagnogo said. “I join my Democratic colleagues in working to ensure everyone can succeed in this economy.”