By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-953762.mp3
LANSING, MI –
Governor Rick Snyder says he understands why some people are upset with his budget proposal, which includes deep funding cuts and major tax reforms. Governor Snyder was in Kalamazoo Monday to begin explaining the details of his proposal to the public.
AUDIO:
Governor Snyder says he knows that some people are frustrated with the changes he has proposed. But he is confident that the long-term benefits to the state are there and people will see that, including public employees, who have been asked to make further concessions to help balance the budget. Snyder says he hopes frustration from public employee unions won't turn into outrage and mass protest as it has in Wisconsin.
"Well I would hope not, I'm not sure why it should in that regard because we're trying to work constructively with the unions."
Snyder says the collective bargaining rights that are proposed to be stripped from unions in Wisconsin will remain in Michigan, and the governor will negotiate with workers in a plan to hit his concession targets.