Since the unveiling of Gov. Rick Snyder’s 2011 budget proposal, potential cuts have sparked numerous protests, including one held Wednesday at the Capitol that attracted thousands of people.
The protestors — including the Michigan Education Association, or MEA — gathered at the Capitol to protest Snyder’s proposal, which was released in February. The rally encompassed numerous issues, including K-12 budget cuts, a proposed tax on pensions and union rights.
Some perceive the cuts to K-12 education to be a threat and say certain aspects of the proposal are detrimental to the state.
“(Actions) going on with our state and local government (are) kind of overreaching,” Lansing resident and MSU alumnus John Hansen said. “The K-12 education cuts don’t seem fair.”
Many in the Legislature’s Democratic minority argue the governor’s plan is to use the money intended to fund schools to help pay for tax breaks for corporations, while many Republicans argue the transfer from the School Aid Fund is necessary to maintain fiscal solvency in the rest of the budget.
A spokesperson for Snyder could not be reached for comment.
Oakland Community College students Daniel Jaruzel and Danielle Benway traveled from their school to protest the governor’s actions.
“I’m fed up with Rick Snyder and most of his policies,” Jaruzel said.
The students appreciated the widespread support.
“It’s nice to see everyone out here and supporting, being very nice and peaceful,” Benway said.
Sarah Lawrence of Battle Creek, Mich., hopes the budget cuts will not continue. She said she wants a bright future for her daughter Zoe, a toddler, who also was in attendance at the rally.
“I hope that her education is strong enough that she can learn to analyze and move in this life that’s so tricky and confusing,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence felt rallies are important to create a voice for the people.
“Protests don’t make the movement, but make the noise to get the movement going,” she said.
Pat Raquepaw of Flushing, Mich., heard about the rally from his son’s union. He felt officials were pointing fingers in the wrong direction, he said.
“They’re blaming the teachers for the budget mess we’re in,” he said.
“If we don’t treat our teachers any better than this, they’re going to leave.”
Snyder’s proposal plans to cut the pensions of retiring teachers in Michigan.
Raquepaw felt the rally held to protest K-12 education budget cuts was necessary because administrators will not listen if protesters do not show up.
“The best thing they’re doing right now is looking out the window and hoping we’ll go away,” he said. “It’s not going to happen.”
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