“The Muskegon Heights School District has had financial problems for some time and is already at the bottom of per-pupil funding levels in the state of Michigan. Though they have made some mistakes, there can be no denial that the deck has been stacked against urban schools and cities especially in this tough economic environment. With declining property values and school enrollment coupled with high rates of foreclosures and unemployment, urban schools simply aren’t given a chance. And to add insult to injury, the Republican-controlled Legislature reduced per pupil funding on top of eliminating the declining enrollment grants and statutory revenue sharing that disproportionately affected urban schools and cities. Something needs to be done and I will do everything in my power to prevent Muskegon Heights School district from closing.”