LANSING — Despite Gov. Rick Snyder’s assurances to the contrary in tonight’s State of the State address, middle-class families have struggled under five years of leadership from Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-led Legislature, state Representatives Tom Cochran (D-Mason) and Andy Schor (D-Lansing) said Tuesday night. Rather than doubling down on Gov. Snyder’s failed agenda, the legislators said it’s time to create a Michigan that works for school kids, college students, families, seniors and small-business owners who are being left behind by the Republican agenda.

The lawmakers said Michiganders are struggling because of the decisions and priorities of Gov. Snyder and the Republican Legislature.

“Families are paying more, making things harder at home, while corporations are getting a sweetheart deal,” Cochran said. “It’s the people of Michigan that should be getting the deal and prospering because of it. Seniors should not have to be looking for work after they retire just to pay their bills or put food on the table, and children should not have to worry about their future and if there’s a place for them in our state.” 

Rather than continuing a legislative agenda that prioritizes big corporations over working families and small businesses, House Democrats prioritize legislation that would make college more affordable, improve education for all Michigan children and reduce taxes on families and seniors.

“My colleagues and I have been working tirelessly every day to think of new ways to help the people of Michigan succeed, and we are committed to tomorrow and the future to making sure that happens,” Schor said. “We must treat our neighbors better than this, and we have to give them the tools they need to make a better life. House Democrats are standing beside them, urging the Legislature to act.”