Wake up Lansing!

Dear Editor:

The only way out of Michigan’s budget crisis is to reform and reduce state government, not hike taxes during a recession as was done two years ago. Are some Lansing politicians waking-up to this reality?

The state Senate has passed a series of budget cuts and state House Republicans recently released a budget plan with detailed cuts and no tax increases. Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon has proposed $900 million in annual savings by reforming the health insurance benefits of all state and local government works, including public school employees.

Unfortunately, Governor Granholm continues to be a roadblock to reform and offers nothing but criticism of plans from both parties. Instead of pay-offs to her supporters in the public employee unions, the Governor needs to consider the rest of Michigan and the economic pain we are going through.

Scott Hagerstrom