Sen. Jansen restores funding for before- and after-school programs
LANSING - Funding for before- and after-school programs across the state has been reinstated in the Michigan Department of Human Services budget, said Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Gaines Township.
"These programs are far too important to discontinue," said Jansen, member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on DHS. "When facing difficult economic times we must prioritize what we spend state funds on. Parents and children benefit greatly from before- and after-school programs. I'm glad that I was able to work to restore this crucial funding."
Funding for the DHS Before- and After-School Program was eliminated by the Granholm Administration. Jansen and DHS Subcommittee Chair Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood, restored the $5 million needed for the program to continue.
By presenting a balanced budget based on budget cuts, Senate Republicans were also able to reinstate funding to prevent state police trooper layoffs, and maintain funding for essential services such as assistance for schools with declining enrollment, programs for at-risk students and adult education.
"We must maintain vital services," Jansen said. "Senator Hardiman and I recognized the importance of these programs that help prepare children to succeed in school all across the state. We fought hard to ensure that these programs would continue. The future of Michigan depends on our children and we must make sure we provide them with the necessities."
Posted: Thursday, March 29, 2007
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