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The message below is an email that I received yesterday. Rather surprising that this would happen.
Michigan Governor Vetoes Firefighter Funding
Move Jeopardizes Public Safety
EAST LANSING, Mich., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- While the rest of the nation
is dipping into their own pocket books to support firefighters across
the country, Governor John Engler stunned municipal leaders and
firefighters across the state by vetoing two appropriations that pay for
fire protection for state facilities.
The Governor's move jeopardizes public university students, state
employees, and anyone attending a public event or activity on state
property, including this weekend's "Cold War," the Michigan State
University/University of Michigan hockey game being played at Spartan
Stadium in East Lansing this Saturday.
"The Governor's veto is a slap in the face of every firefighter in the
state," said Mark Meadows, Mayor of East Lansing. "It's an
unconscionable act that makes absolutely no sense."
In light of the heightened awareness and concern for public safety,
Meadows pointed out that the only terrorist attack in the State of
Michigan occurred at Michigan State University on New Year's Eve, 1999,
when Agriculture Hall was firebombed.
The state is required by law (PA 289) to provide funding in lieu of
taxes to local communities that provide fire protection to state
facilities within their jurisdictions. The Governor's veto means that
communities across Michigan will lose all of their state funding to
provide fire protection for state facilities, dramatically compromising
emergency readiness in the event of a fire or other disaster and
endangering those who live in one of the more than 70 public university
dormitories without sprinkler systems.
"More than 40 communities across the state provide fire protection to
state facilities," said Don Stypula, spokesman for the Michigan
Municipal League. "It is irresponsible for the Governor to shove these
municipalities against a financial brick wall."
Cutting funding could affect emergency readiness in a number of ways:
* laying off firefighters at a time when they are desperately needed;
* delaying much-needed equipment purchases and/or maintenance;
* eliminating critical special training to help protect the community;
and
* jeopardizing the Urban Search and Rescue teams in Michigan.
In MSU's case, the City of East Lansing could be forced to lay off up to
20 firefighters and close MSU's fire station.
"Firefighters are the backbone of any successful search and rescue
operation," said Meadows. "We urge lawmakers to take whatever action
necessary to fund these critical services."
MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X42735351
10/01/2001 17:02 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
Michigan Governor Vetoes Firefighter Funding
Move Jeopardizes Public Safety
EAST LANSING, Mich., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- While the rest of the nation
is dipping into their own pocket books to support firefighters across
the country, Governor John Engler stunned municipal leaders and
firefighters across the state by vetoing two appropriations that pay for
fire protection for state facilities.
The Governor's move jeopardizes public university students, state
employees, and anyone attending a public event or activity on state
property, including this weekend's "Cold War," the Michigan State
University/University of Michigan hockey game being played at Spartan
Stadium in East Lansing this Saturday.
"The Governor's veto is a slap in the face of every firefighter in the
state," said Mark Meadows, Mayor of East Lansing. "It's an
unconscionable act that makes absolutely no sense."
In light of the heightened awareness and concern for public safety,
Meadows pointed out that the only terrorist attack in the State of
Michigan occurred at Michigan State University on New Year's Eve, 1999,
when Agriculture Hall was firebombed.
The state is required by law (PA 289) to provide funding in lieu of
taxes to local communities that provide fire protection to state
facilities within their jurisdictions. The Governor's veto means that
communities across Michigan will lose all of their state funding to
provide fire protection for state facilities, dramatically compromising
emergency readiness in the event of a fire or other disaster and
endangering those who live in one of the more than 70 public university
dormitories without sprinkler systems.
"More than 40 communities across the state provide fire protection to
state facilities," said Don Stypula, spokesman for the Michigan
Municipal League. "It is irresponsible for the Governor to shove these
municipalities against a financial brick wall."
Cutting funding could affect emergency readiness in a number of ways:
* laying off firefighters at a time when they are desperately needed;
* delaying much-needed equipment purchases and/or maintenance;
* eliminating critical special training to help protect the community;
and
* jeopardizing the Urban Search and Rescue teams in Michigan.
In MSU's case, the City of East Lansing could be forced to lay off up to
20 firefighters and close MSU's fire station.
"Firefighters are the backbone of any successful search and rescue
operation," said Meadows. "We urge lawmakers to take whatever action
necessary to fund these critical services."
MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X42735351
10/01/2001 17:02 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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