In 1994, Michigan voters passed Proposal A, which cut property taxes by half, provided a minimum funding level for K-12 education, and introduced a formula to address funding equity for every school district across the state. In the 7 years since the proposal became law, there have been seen and unforeseen consequences, leaving some happy and others unhappy.
The Public Policy Institute at Grand Valley State University holds a pair of free panel discussions to look at the implications of Proposal A from historical, political, educational and business perspectives. Each presenter will make recommendations for improvements in how Michigan finances the K-12 education system. There will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience. The event is open to the public, but reservations are encouraged.
The events are:
- Thursday, October 18, 6-9 p.m., Loosemore Auditorium of the DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids.
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Friday, October 19, 9 a.m.-noon, GVSU Meijer Holland Campus, 515
S. Waverly Road.
Scheduled panelists include: State Sen. Bob Emerson (D-Flint), State Rep. Wayne Kuipers, (R-Holland), Holland City Manager Soren Wolff, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council Director Sue Higgins, Holland Public Schools Superintendent Marcia Bishop, Zeeland Public Schools Superintendent Gary Feenstra, Holland Area Chamber of Commerce Director Chris Byrnes, and GVSU Arts and Humanities Dean (and former state representative) Jon Jellema.
Scheduled panelists include: State Sen. Bob Emerson (D-Flint), State Rep. G. Van Woerkom, (R-Muskegon), Grand Rapids Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Services Bob White, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Patricia Newby, Associate Superintendent for the Kent Intermediate School Districct Jerry Hunsberger, Frey Foundation President Milt Rowher, and GVSU Arts and Humanities Dean (and former state representative) Jon Jellema.
Both panels will be moderated by institute Director William Byl.
Part of GVSU's Division of Continuing Education, the Public Policy Institute is a resource for elected officials and community leaders that provides a forum for the exchange of ideas concerning public policy issues. The institute offers a wide range of services to reach its mission of encouraging new ways of thinking about political, economic, and social issues.
To register for the free forum, call (616) 336-7180, e-mail [email protected], or visit the intsitute's Web site at www4.gvsu.edu/publicpolicy.
