ITP Board Opposes K-16 Funding Initiative

At its October meeting, the ITP Board unanimously voted to oppose the K-16 Funding Initiative(Proposal 5). The first point of opposition was based on the fact that passage could have a negative impact on state funding for public transportation, hindering The Rapid's ability to give local residents access to employment, education, and other opportunities. The Board also believes that it is not sound fiscal policy to mandate funding increases regardless of the amount available to support them and without any accountability for the money.

Others who have publicly opposed the amendment include the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Valley Metro Council, and the Michigan Public Transit Association. For a more complete list of those opposed to the proposal, visit [EXLINK '36']stopthespendingmandate.com[/EXLINK], the site of the statewide coalition opposed to the amendment.