October 28, 2003

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today unveiled her schedule for forums to discuss the state’s $900 million budget deficit that will offer Michigan residents in every corner of the state an opportunity to learn first-hand the depth of the budget crisis and details on the impact of potential cuts that may be made.
 
“We have inherited a massive problem, and we need every citizen’s input to solve it.  Limiting our conversation to a relatively small audience limits the value of what our citizens can bring to this discussion,” Granholm said.  “This budget represents the people’s money, and we want to hear what they will be willing to pay for and what they are willing to cut.  We can’t make these decisions behind closed doors in Lansing.”    
 
The Governor announced her office will partner with the media, including television stations in six cities, to broadcast her one hour forums with the people of Michigan.  All of the programs will air live.
 
In addition to the televised broadcasts, the Governor will be featured on two radio call-in shows, a call-in show on Michigan Government Television, and un-televised forums in Alpena and Macomb counties.
 
The Governor’s schedule includes the following forums in Eastern Standard Time (EST):

Wednesday, October 29  – WJR Radio (Detroit) 760 AM
“Ask the Governor” with Lloyd Jackson - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, November 3 – Traverse City Budget Conversation
WWTV 9 and 10 - 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 4 – Marquette Budget Conversation
WNMU TV 13 - 7:00 p.m. simulcast on WNMU public radio

Thursday, November 6 – Flint Budget Conversation
WJRT-TV 12 - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, November 10 – Michigan Public Radio
Statewide call-in show - Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Monday, November 10 – Michigan Government Television
(MGTV) call-in show - TBA

Tuesday, November 11 – Southeast Michigan Budget Conversation
WDIV-TV 4 - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 12 – Grand Rapids – Battle Creek
Budget Conversation WOOD-TV 8 - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 13 – Lansing Budget Conversation
WILX-TV 10 - 7:00 p.m.

Alpena and Macomb county events TBA

Audiences for the televised forums, which will include a combination of studio and other locations, will be invited by the Governor’s Office and the television stations.  Additionally, the stations are being encouraged to offer viewers an opportunity to present questions for the Governor in advance of their telecasts through the Internet.
 
Michigan Virtual University will provide assistance in gauging immediate reaction from audiences on what proposed budget cuts they support. 
 
“We are grateful to the willingness of our media partners and Michigan Virtual University to make these programs a reality,” Granholm said.  “This represents an incredible public service to their viewers and to the future of our state.”