Editorial: Congress can’t afford to bail out Michigan

June 14, 2020 in News by RBN Staff

source: www.detroitnews.com

Michigan’s budget is in a world of hurt, following a three-month lockdown in response to the coronavirus. As a result, the state’s leaders are turning to the federal government to solve their problems. But Congress has already added a dangerous amount of debt to combat the virus.

Most states are feeling the blow to their bottom line. Yet the federal government cannot magically wave a wand and make that money appear — as our country racks up record levels of borrowing, we are all going to have to pay for it.

Just in the last few weeks, Michigan politicians and interest groups have called on Congress to help boost infrastructure and K-12 funding, as well as send more aid in response to flooding in Midland.

The state faces more than a $6 billion shortfall through next year.

Rather than tackle that deficit head on, however, Michigan officials are demanding federal assistance.

“The bottom line is if we’re going to save lives and provide critical services to Michiganders through this crisis, we’re going to need flexibility and support from the federal government,” said Chris Kolb, state budget director, last month.

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