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Steve Markel Withdraws, Gives Support to Sean Mullally

Thanks to all my supporters, but the reality of a too-crowded race has forced me to withdraw. There are some "not-so-democrats" runing as democrats in the primary race. It is more important that Sean Mullally, an individual who repesents the real values of our Democratic party, wins this race. If I were to continue as I have been, there is a chance an "elephant in donkey's clothing" could win the primary election. Therefore, I have given my full support to Sean.

Sean Mullally's blog entry on this event can be found at http://networkedblogs.com/5CiCO.

Budget

Just as we are expected to maintain a budget, the state is expected to do the same. According to the State Constitution, if revenues are short then funding of programs must be cut. However, this system creates a problem for each of the funded areas within the budget. Since revenues are short, areas like state police, schools, cities and townships do not receive their full funding. These cuts have become amputations over time. Consequently, these midyear amputations make for loss of jobs via layoffs and the uncertainty of providing services such as education, police and fire protection, and infrastructure.

Relating to schools specifically, as a current school board member, it has been very difficult to make midyear cuts. Amputations have directly and indirectly affected students across the state. I find it ironic that the state is putting more demands on schools for higher performance levels of students, yet continues to make these amputations and does it midyear.

I would support a restructuring of this broken budget system. Here is one example: Schools by law have to set budgets by July 1. The state does not have to tell schools their student foundation grants until Oct 1 (if then). This seems backwards to me. As one solution, something as simple as switching these dates would be helpful. If not that, something else needs to change. There are other possible solutions to this dilemma. Legislative leaders need to address the budgeting short falls.

Please support Steve Markel’s efforts to establish a sensible and stable budgeting process by donating, volunteering, and/or voting for Steve Markel for State Representative in the August 3 primary.