Michigan Enrolling Fewer Children in Preschool than 10 Years Ago

(WASHINGTON) -- According to a report by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), preschool funding experienced state cuts for the second year in a row throughout the country. The report points to the recession as a main factor in the decrease in total state funding and per-child spending.

The effects of preschool funding cuts hit some states harder than others. Michigan is among five states -- Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio included -- that enroll fewer students in state preschool programs today than they did a decade ago.

The report warns that if cuts to early education continue, it will compromise the investment into America's children and cause the country to fall behind other nations in school success and economic competitiveness.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Snyder Sets Bar for Budget Completion

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Governor Rich Snyder is saying he would like the state budget finished by May 31 of this year. In recent years, budget negotiations have lasted into October.

The budget process for this year entails overcoming a projected $1.4 billion shortfall. Republicans, however, say they have issues with Snyder's proposed spending plans in a number of areas, like education and prisons.

Snyder, however, has noted that the disagreements and negotiations are part of the process and that he remains optimistic with the late May deadline.
 
Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Snyder Says State Education Needs Improvement

(EAST LANSING, Mich.)  -- Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said the education system needs to be improved. He spoke at the Governor's Education Summit in East Lansing on Monday.

Snyder will be talking about education at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in Detroit on Wednesday. He plans to talk about early childhood education and improving performance in Michigan schools. 

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

State Asks Corrections Union for $95 Million in Concessions

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Office of the State Employer is asking 7,700 unionized corrections officers for $95 million in concessions to help cut into the $180 million that Gov. Rick Snyder is looking to save from state employees.

Michigan Corrections Organization Executive Director Mel Grieshaber says the move is unfair, given the corrections union accounts for 16 percent of the state's workforce yet would be surrendering more than half of the proposed concessions.

A spokesman for the state employer said the Department of Corrections is the only major state department in which is funded completely by the state's general fund.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Michigan Campgrounds Expecting Local Crowds

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Campgrounds in Michigan may have one of their biggest seasons this summer, according to a report in The Detroit News.

Reservations at campgrounds around the state are reportedly up over 18 percent from last year. The increase is believed to be due to high gas prices and a steadily improving economy.

Michigan residents also have privilege of $10 "passports," which provide discounts at state parks and campgrounds.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio