Statement by MDP Chair Mark Brewer on Snyder Administration’s Decision to Review Flint’s Finances

From Michigan Democratic Party

LANSING – Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer today issued the following statement on the Snyder Administration’s decision to review Flint’s finances:

“Let me be crystal clear on what’s happened in Flint today.  This financial review is a direct result of the Snyder administration’s attack on our urban areas as well as his failed jobs policies.  Just as Snyder shifted nearly $2 billion from businesses on to Michigan’s middle class families and seniors with his tax policies, he also shifted his budget problems to cities like Flint by cutting revenue sharing by millions of dollars for the community.  For all his talk about relentless positive action, all Snyder’s and his extremist cronies in the legislature have done since taking office is relentless attacks on Michigan residents and home rule.

“Mayor Walling along with the Flint City Council and Flint’s public employee unions, especially AFSCME as well as other city stakeholders, have taken aggressive action over the last two years to deal with the economic pressures put on their budget.  They have cut positions, reduced salaries, and taken other creative steps to continue to provide quality services to the people of Flint with reduced revenues.

“It’s unfortunate that the Governor and State Treasurer have chosen to ignore this remarkable example of progress and cooperation only to insert themselves in an effort to attack Flint’s elected leadership, hard-working public employees, and middle class families and usurp local control.”