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 Lou Holtz, one of the most successful coaches in college football, once said that the word “WIN” was an acronym for “What’s Important Now?” If Michigan is going to emerge from the current economic downturn as a winner, our policymakers need to look into the mirror and ask themselves, “What’s Important Now?”
The Michigan Legislature adopted a 2004 state budget that was reduced by $1.7 billion from the previous year. As I write this, the state government is deciding how to deal with an additional $920 million shortfall in anticipated revenues. Since the constitution requires a balanced budget, the state might cut $920 million in expenses, raise $920 million in taxes or do both in some manner that totals $920 million. Despite all the previous posturing and tactics, these are some facts that must be considered for Michigan’s future:
- Michigan’s budget has a structural deficit. This means that our expenses grow faster than our revenue. It also means that the solution can’t be a one-time fix. We must either decrease expenses or increase revenue (or a combination of both) for the long term.
- Those who call for the state to address the shortfall by cutting expenses have not come up with a list of proposed cuts. This is because the public likes the idea of cutting state expenses, but doesn’t like the cuts that would have to occur to achieve that goal.
- No one believes you can cut $920 million from the state budget without cutting essential services. While people differ on what constitutes essential services, $920 million in cuts will affect everyone’s definition.
It is the role of the state to provide essential services, but different people have different opinions of what constitutes essential. The current budget shortfall will force our policymakers to decide what are essential services — for them to decide, “What’s Important Now?” Because this is a democracy, we can all have input in that decision. Now is the time to contact your legislators and tell them “What’s Important Now.”
AOA SITE VISIT
The American Osteopathic Association Accreditation Committee conducted a site visit at MSUCOM this past September. The college completed a year-long self study in preparation for the visit, which occurs every seven years as a major step of the accreditation renewal process. MSUCOM received high marks across the board, and the AOA gave out two commendations for exceptional service.
The first was for the support and development of the Statewide Campus System. According to the AOA, “The increased educational opportunities provided by the SCS benefit all levels of the osteopathic profession.” The other commendation was given to Associate Dean for Student Services William Falls, Ph.D., who was recognized for his “leaderships skills and ability to work well with others” in the management of his entire unit.
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