Friday, June 20, was a day of celebration in
Detroit as the Governor signed bills granting $195 million dollars from the
state to be used in the Detroit bankruptcy. The bipartisan package still needs
to be approved by city bondholders and retirees in order to be put into effect.
The event, which was held at the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor
Adventure Center, was heralded as a milestone, but saw many speakers stress the
necessity for a “yes” vote from pensioners, who have until July 11 to turn in
their ballots, to complete the Grand Bargain.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan highlighted the
strides that had been made both in Lansing and Detroit over the last year. Mr.
Duggan said a year ago there was fighting in both Lansing and Detroit, but this
time people from both parties were able to come together and accomplish
something that only a year ago many thought was impossible. Emergency Manager
Kevyn Orr echoed Mayor Duggan’s sentiment on the progress made. Mr. Orr said
that when he first began pushing the Grand Bargain, many legislators said that
they would not support putting any money toward the city. He applauded the
leadership in Lansing that led to this bipartisan effort. The man behind
brokering the Grand Bargain and the chief mediator in the Detroit Bankruptcy,
U.S. District Court Judge Gerald Rosen, spoke to the incredible leadership not
only from the Legislative Leaders and the Governor but from all three branches
of government.
Members of the Legislature from both parties
joined Governor Snyder in celebration at the bill signing. Both House Speaker
Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville
(R-Monroe) reflected on the importance of the votes that were held in their
chambers to provide aid to Detroit. Both men spoke Friday saying that passing
the bankruptcy package has potential to be one of the most important things
they do in their political careers. Mr. Bolger elaborated, saying that a
difference will be made in Detroit due to all of the different parties that
were involved banding together to help with the Grand Bargain. Mr. Richardville
said that this legislation was about the people who it affected not the
financial situation of the city and that is what made it historical.
Representatives John Walsh (R-Livonia) and
Thomas Stallworth (D-Detroit) were in attendance as they were the driving force
behind forging the legislation. Both men were thanked repeatedly by House
Speaker Bolger and House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) for their
tireless effort that made the passage of the package possible.
Shirley Lightsey, a representative of the
Detroit Retired City Employees Association, touched on the frustrations from
the retirees about the vote and the lack of information they have been given.
She said that once the information was received retirees still had to get over
their frustrations with the package; however, she said that the only way to
vote was yes. She stated that with a yes vote retirees would see a 4.5 percent
cut to their pensions but the alternative was a 27 percent cut if the Grand
Bargain was not approved.
Representative Thomas Stallworth III
(D-Detroit), Governor Rick Snyder, and Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr all spoke to
the importance of a yes vote on the issue. All three men emphasized that the
passage of the Grand Bargain is the best scenario for retirees. While issues of
mistrust and cuts to pensions were discussed it was made clear that a no vote
would only set the bankruptcy process back and lead to a loss of funds from
foundations, unions, and the state.