HILDENBRAND APPOINTED TO HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

State Representative Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell) was named to the influential House Appropriations Committee today by the Speaker of the House. In addition to his responsibilities as the House Minority Floor Leader, Hildenbrand will work on the state's over $44 billion budget.

"We have a constitutional responsibility to balance the budget in good times and bad," said Hildenbrand. "With high unemployment in Michigan and falling revenues to the state coffers we must find creative ways to deliver quality state services at a much lower cost." Michigan's unemployment rate rose to 10.6 percent in December and the projected deficit going into the 2009-2010 fiscal year is over a $1 billion.

"We must prioritize our spending, find efficiencies, privatize where possible, and cut unnecessary programs to balance the budget. By making these priorities, we will ensure public safety, promote education and protect our most vulnerable citizens, without raising taxes on individuals or businesses during these tough economic times."
The Governor will present her proposed state budget to a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations committees on February 12th. The legislature will then begin their deliberation with public input on every aspect of the budget.

Representative Hildenbrand's district includes: Ada, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Township, Walker, part of the City of Grand Rapids and the greater Lowell area. His office can be contacted by calling 1-877-DAVE-086 or by e-mail at RepHildenbrand@house.mi.gov. For additional information on Rep. Hildenbrand, please visit his online office at www.gophouse.com/hildenbrand.htm.

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