Dear Colleagues:

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, legislative leaders from both parties and I reached agreement on state budget bills that are part of a comprehensive solution to Michigan's budget crisis - and we accomplished it without having to experience another state government shut-down.

The budget reflects a combination of difficult cuts, significant government reforms, and new revenue, and it protects critical services such as health care and public safety and allows us to invest in our schools - all of which are priorities for Michigan.

We increased our investment in protecting children by adding workers to reduce Department of Human Services' caseloads.  Two-thirds of those new workers will be state employees.  While a portion of the new dollars will go to private providers, I insisted that no current state employee lose their job to privatization.  I have fought for state employees throughout this process, and I will continue to fight for you as we implement this budget.  As the next few weeks unfold, departments will be providing information about the new budget, and we will do our best to keep you informed every step of the way. 
 
Even though our ship of state has entered into calmer seas, we still have difficult work ahead of us.  No state department was spared as we looked for ways to cut $435 million from the budget, and many of those cuts required tough choices. 

I am looking forward to putting the budget crisis behind us and moving forward with our aggressive economic plan that will diversify Michigan's economy to create good-paying jobs in cutting-edge industries and get workers into existing job vacancies.  And I will continue to go anywhere and do anything to bring good jobs to Michigan. 
 
I want to thank you again for your service to the state of Michigan and for your patience these past months.  You have had to work under some of the most difficult and stressful times in the history of state government, and you have done so with grace.  Thank you for your unwavering service to the citizens of Michigan. 

Sincerely yours,

Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor