Below you will find a letter from Business Leaders for Michigan to Rep. John Walsh, Chairman of the Committee on Detroit’s Recovery and Michigan’s Future.
The Honorable John Walsh Chairman
Detroit’s Recovery and Michigan’s Future Committee
P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909
Dear Representative Walsh:
Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM) supports the state taking steps to accelerate Detroit’s exit from municipal bankruptcy in a sound fiscal condition. As such, we support the state making a significant contribution to the comprehensive financial restructuring plan being developed by the Emergency Manager. We also strongly support the establishment of a financial oversight process to ensure the maintenance of sound fiscal practices that will improve city services. However, we urge the legislature to minimize the imposition of regulations or provisions that might jeopardize the financial restructuring plan’s approval. Our Michigan Turnaround Plan recognizes the importance of cities, particularly Detroit, to the entire state’s economic growth.
Our position is based on facts that identify our largest cities as the core of state regions that disproportionately drive the economy and are the image of Michigan outside our state’s borders. For example, the whole state is benefitting from Detroit’s stronger economy and recent positive global media coverage of Detroit’s redevelopment. As such, we have consistently supported state policies that encourage the redevelopment of cities and actions to help get local finances in order, such as the Emergency Management Act.
Michiganders also support Detroit and a state investment in its future. Our polling research shows that majorities of Michiganders from every part of the state recognize the importance of Detroit to the state’s economy and support the state making a significant financial contribution to a restructuring plan.
Our organization believes in the future of Detroit, but also that the city’s current redevelopment momentum is fragile and cannot be jeopardized by a prolonged bankruptcy. We have an opportunity to make history by getting Detroit through the largest municipal bankruptcy ever on-time and in sound fiscal condition. It will be a model for the nation. We urge your support.
Sincerely, Doug Rothwell
President and CEO
cc: The Honorable Rick Snyder, Governor The Honorable Jase Bolger, Speaker of the House The Honorable Randy Richardville, Senate Majority Leader The Honorable Tim Greimel, House Democratic Leader The Honorable Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Democratic Leader The Honorable Michael McCready, State Representative The Honorable Earl Poleski, State Representative The Honorable Thomas Stallworth III, State Representative The Honorable Harvey Santana, State Representative