By Kelsie Thompson
Bath-DeWitt Connection staff writer
As millions tuned in to the annual State of the Union address on Wednesday, Jan. 26, President Barack Obama spoke of big plans for the future of the United States.
In the address, Obama stressed the importance of how the nation needs to “out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world,” but an issue that hits many Michigan residents right now is revenue sharing.
Although Americans and Michiganders, alike, are starting to get back on their feet after the recent recession, many are still facing problems trying to make a living. And now, with the new possibility of cuts in the state’s revenue sharing, things might get even harder.
“I am interested in seeing how things work out and how Obama will make the state’s budget come together,” said Jim Rundborg, mayor of DeWitt.
Rundborg is concerned about revenue-sharing cuts that Michigan might be soon facing.
Since many communities in the state rely heavily on revenue sharing to pay for city services such as police officers and fire departments, this cut could eliminate jobs.
“By cutting the revenue sharing, cities, especially small towns, are going to be hurting,” said Rundborg.
DeWitt is one of many small towns throughout the state, with a population of just 4,409, according to 2010 census data — but Rundborg is not concerned about the status of the city.
“We have always been fiscally responsible,” Rundborg said. “I believe we can ride out this storm.”
According to 2010 census data, the unemployment rate of DeWitt city remains low, at 4.8 percent, compared to the statewide average of 10.4 percent. This data proves that the city is in good shape, just as Rundborg said.