Letters: Readers on school district bailouts and EPA regs

Rethink state bailouts for school districts

Michigan’s consistent financial support for its struggling school districts has played a pivotal role in averting educational crises across numerous communities. This support, as evidenced by last year’s legislative approval of a $114 million bailout of school districts, showcases a strong commitment to maintaining the viability of education systems under financial distress.

However, this ongoing intervention raises questions about its implications: Are we inadvertently rewarding fiscal mismanagement?

Take, for instance, Ann Arbor Public Schools, which is facing a $25 million budget deficit. A significant portion of which resulted from a clerical error, leading to layoffs and cuts in essential programs. Similarly, Flint Community Schools are grappling with an almost $60 million debt, largely due to chronic underfunding and a significant drop in enrollment. The historical precedent of Michigan’s intervention illustrates the state’s crucial role in stabilizing districts. However, it also prompts a crucial inquiry: Is the state fostering a safety net that might encourage fiscal irresponsibility?

Michigan’s legislative framework mandates districts facing deficits to submit Deficit Elimination Plans, ensuring accountability and promoting strategic financial planning. While necessary, these measures must be accompanied by rigorous oversight to ensure that bailouts serve their intended purpose and do not become incentives for poor financial governance.

This approach will ensure that financial aid is indeed a lifeline for those in need and not a reward for mismanagement.

Dr. Shawn K. Wightman

Superintendent

Marysville Public Schools

Consumer choice in jeopardy under new EPA regs

Already this year, the Biden administration has released several regulations that could jeopardize our energy supply and security.

Fortunately, some in Washington recognize this and are fighting back, such as Michigan Congressman Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, (“Biden’s EV mandate strips away consumer choice,” March 23). Of the many concerning energy policies coming out of the White House, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions rule has raised the most concern from consumers.

The policy sets new emission standards on light and medium-duty vehicles that require electric vehicles to account for 67% of new car sales by 2032. This restricts consumer freedoms and is out of step with the budgets and energy needs of many Americans.

Michigan has long been the powerhouse of America’s automotive industry and state residents know better than most how important reliable transportation options are to daily life. Policymakers shouldn’t be able to narrow freedoms.

Chris Zeigler

Columbus, OH