Although the state government does spend a lot of money on unnecessary things, cutting government spending is not an end-all answer to the deficit the state has at hand. As we have seen in the past, if we don't pay now, then we will end up paying later.

However, a protest concerning the state budget took place Friday morning outside of Kellogg Center focused on avoiding tax hikes and urging the state to "tighten your belts." Roughly 14 protesters, including both MSU students and state representatives, demonstrated their disagreement with raising taxes.

If the state does not raise taxes, then the people of Michigan will still suffer. The amount the government spends on inessential things will help contribute to fixing the financial loss the state has to deal with, but raising taxes might still be necessary to create revenue.

The responsibility of a citizen is to contribute to the well-being of the state. If the state is in need of more money, then it is the duty of the community to step up and help out for the improvement and benefit of the community as a whole.

We need taxes to keep state services such as education going. If education funding is cut, then parents with children in college will just have to pay more for tuition to make up for what is cut by the state.

Either way, the money will be made up for some how.

Lawmakers should realize they're not above the average person - paying taxes is part of their duty as fellow citizens. In avoiding tax hikes, any route Michigan legislators take will only end up hurting their constituents. Though it seems like they're looking out for the little guy, that is exactly who will be hurt in the end.

The majority of the Red Cedar Coalition, a group of education and other lobbying organizations, have concluded the financial shortfall will result in just more than cutting programs. The money needs to come from somewhere, and in order for the people of Michigan to be hurt the least, that money will need to come from a tax hike.