State budget cuts will be topic of town hall meeting in Ypsilanti Friday night

The event will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Second Baptist Church, 301 S. Hamilton St., in Ypsilanti. The meeting is co-hosted by the Ypsilanti City Council.

David Rutledge

Panelists will include Ypsilanti Public Schools Superintendent Dedrick Martin, Ypsilanti City Manager Ed Koryzno and Rutledge.

"People throughout the 54th District have countless questions about how the budget will affect their family and our community," Rutledge said in a statement. "The state budget is a complicated process, from funding for public schools, to tax incentive programs, to business tax reforms. I encourage residents to attend the conversation to share their thoughts and concerns about the proposals under consideration."

Ypsilanti City Council Member Ricky Jefferson and Mayor Pro-Tem Lois Richardson assisted in planning for the event.

Jefferson said in a statement that Ypsilanti residents are particularly concerned about issues that affect the city uniquely. He said proposed changes to certain tax credits — like brownfield credits, the Earned Income Tax Credit, historic preservation credits and others — would significantly impact Ypsilanti-area families.

Individuals interested in more information on state budget issues who cannot attend Friday's event can contact Rutledge by e-mail at davidrutledge@house.mi.gov, visit his website at www.rutledge.housedems.com, or call his office toll-free at 855-347-8054.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.