The Coalition to Stop the K-16 Spending Mandate, a growing alliance of over 35 taxpayer, local government, law enforcement, and healthcare organizations, today applauded the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan for withdrawing from the K-16 Coalition for Michigan's Future.

"We commend the Presidents Council for withdrawing their support of the K-16 guaranteed spending mandate," said Chief Ervin Portis, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. "We agree with Presidents Council Executive Director Mike Boulus that ballot proposals that threaten the general fund are a bad idea."

Earlier this week, the Presidents Council told Gongwer News Service that they were pulling out of the K-16 Coalition for Michigan's Future.

"This sends a clear message that the state universities agree accountability is important," said Tricia Kinley, Director of Tax Policy and Economic Development for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Coalition to Stop the K-16 Spending Mandate. "What isn't clear is where the Michigan Community College Association stands on the proposal," Kinley noted. "Their representatives have indicated they are a member of the spending coalition ... but remain neutral on the proposal.

"Proponents might want to consider renaming their coalition the K-12 and Community College Coalition for Michigan's Future," remarked Kinley.

"Now that the Presidents Council has withdrawn from the K-16 spending coalition, they are eligible to join our Coalition to Stop the K-16 Spending Mandate, a growing body of individuals and organizations who also believe in accountability and the legislative process," said Portis.

For more information on the K-16 spending proposal, visit the Web site of the Coalition to Stop the K-16 Spending Mandate at http://www.stopthespendingmandate.com/ .

        MEMBERS OF THE COALITION TO STOP THE K-16 SPENDING MANDATE
                             (AS OF 4/19/06)


  Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce
  Brandt Coultas, (734) 214-0101

  Conference of Western Wayne
  Helen Foster, (734) 953-8834

  Concerned Taxpayers Group of Livingston County
  Bill Johnston, (517) 546-4642

  Detroit Regional Chamber
  Sarah Hubbard, (517) 372-2278

  Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
  Jared Rodriguez, (616) 771-0359

  Health Care Association of Michigan
  Kim Ringlever, (517) 627-1561

  Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce
  Marty Dodge, (269) 381-4000

  Life Insurance Association of Michigan
  Larry Kish, (517) 482-7058

  Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
  Chief Ervin Portis (517) 788-4127

  MI Assoc of Community Mental Health Boards
  Scott Dzurka, (517) 374-6848

  Michigan Association of Counties
  Tom Hickson, (517) 372-5374

  Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs
  Dan Hagen, (989) 213-6641

  Michigan Association of Health Plans
  Christine Shearer, (517) 371-3181

  Michigan Association of Home Builders
  Dawn Crandall, (517) 322-0224

  Michigan Association for Local Public Health
  Mark Bertler, 485-0660

  Michigan Association of REALTORS ®
  Bill Martin, (517) 372-8890

  Michigan Business & Professional Association
  Bonnie Bochniak, (517) 374-9128

  Michigan Chamber of Commerce
  Tricia Kinley, (517) 371-7669

  The Michigan Food & Beverage Association
  Bonnie Bochniak, (517) 374-9128

  Michigan Grocers Association
  Linda Gobler, (517) 372-6800

  Michigan Health & Hospital Association
  David Finkbeiner, (517) 703-8601

  Michigan Licensed Beverage Association
  Lance Binoniemi, (517) 374-9611

  Michigan Catholic Conference
  Paul Long, (517) 372-9310

  Michigan Distributors And Vendors Association
  Polly Reber, (517) 372-2323

  Michigan Municipal League
  Arnold Weinfeld, (517) 485-1314

  Michigan Oil And Gas Association
  Frank Mortl, (517) 487-1092

  Michigan Osteopathic Association
  Doug Borruso, (517) 347-1555

  Michigan Railroads Association
  Robert Chaprnka, 482-9413

  Michigan Restaurant Association
  Andy Deloney, (517) 377-3931

  Michigan Retailers Association
  Eric Rule, (517) 372-5656

  Michigan Soft Drink Association
  Bill Lobenherz, (517) 371-4499

  Michigan Townships Association
  David Bertram, (517) 321-6467

  Midland Area Chamber of Commerce
  Sid Allen, (989) 839-9522

  Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce
  Fran Toney, (734) 453-1540

  Police Officers Association of Michigan
  Ken Grabowksi, (313) 937-9000

  Prosecuting Attorney's Association of Michigan
  KC Steckelberg, 334-6060

  Small Business Association of Michigan
  Paul Bukowski, (517) 482-8788

  Wayne County Taxpayers Association
  Rose Bogaert, (313) 278-8383

Paid for by the Coalition to Stop the K-16 Spending Mandate with regulated funds, 600 S. Walnut St., Lansing, MI 48933. Contributions not eligible for charitable deductions on federal tax returns.

SOURCE: Coalition to Stop the K-16 Spending Mandate

CONTACT: Betty McNerney of Michigan Chamber of Commerce,
+1-517-371-7663

Web site: http://www.michamber.com/
http://www.stopthespendingmandate.com/