By Staff
NEW BUFFALO - On Monday, Oct. 10, the League of Women Voters of Berrien and Cass Counties will have a luncheon meeting at noon at the Terrace Cafe of the Harbor Grand Hotel in New Buffalo.
State Sen. Ron Jelinek, R-Three Oaks, and State Reps. Neal Nitz, R-Baroda, and Rick Shaffer, R-Three Rivers, will attend to discuss with League members and guests "The Financial Condition of the State of Michigan."
Members of the public are invited to attend, however seating is limited.
Reservations can be made by contacting Lorraine Stepanek at 269/469-5852 by Thursday, Oct. 6, at 9:30 a.m. Lunch costs $12.50.
The state Senate has completed its work on the fiscal year 2005-06 budget, approving spending plans that are balanced without the need for increased fees and taxes.
One of Jelinek's major priorities was increasing educational opportunities. He announced the Senate did just that with the following actions:
Increased per-pupil funding for K-12 students by $175.
Increased funding for special education by $75 million to account for increased program costs.
Increased funding for school lunch programs by $18.5 million to account for increased costs in providing school lunches.
Increased funding for the 33 math and science centers by $875,000 to account for increased costs.
Provided a funding floor of $3,650 per student for public universities.
Restored funding for scholarships, including Michigan Tuition Grants.