Snyder’s Budget Includes Some Major Reversals for Term-Limited Governor

“It’s an admission that the last seven years was a decade of missed opportunities,” says Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich.

Jake Neher/WDET

Michigan lawmakers are now at work on next year’s state budget. Gov. Rick Snyder presented his final budget proposal at the state Capitol on Wednesday.

The budget includes some things Democrats have been pushing for years — an increase in funding for public schools and road repairs, more money to address the Flint Water Crisis, and an end to privatized prison food contracts.

So, Democrats must be cheering the Republican governor’s final budget, right?

Not so much.

In a statement, state Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) called it “an admission of failure on many fronts – particularly education and infrastructure.” 

Click here to see Gov. Snyder’s budget presentation, read the proposal, and find more information

Click here to read more about reactions to Snyder’s budget proposal

“Obviously, we’ll find ways to work together, as we always do, in a productive way,” Ananich tells Michigan Public Radio’s Cheyna Roth. “But it’s an admission that the last seven years was a decade of missed opportunities.”

Roth and WDET’s Jake Neher talk about how the budget represents some major reversals for Snyder in his final year. 

Click on the audio player above to hear that conversation.c

Authors

  • Cheyna has interned with Michigan Radio and freelanced for WKAR public radio in Lansing. She's also done some online freelancing and worked on documentary films.
  • Jake Neher is senior producer for Detroit Today and host of MichMash for 101.9 WDET. He previously reported on the Michigan Legislature for the Michigan Public Radio Network.