Michigan leaders say now is the time to "Fix The Debt"

A coalition of Michigan business and political leaders is calling on Congress to deal with the nation’s financial problems now and not put off making difficult decisions.

The group is called Fix the Debt.    It's urging federal elected officials to reach a deal to avoid triggering automatic tax increases and spending cuts known as the ‘Fiscal Cliff’.

The group also says now is the time to make difficult decisions to reduce the national debt.

Arnold Weinfeld is with the Michigan Municipal League.   He says everyone will feel the effects of cuts to government programs and increased taxes.

“Now is the time for my generation to step up and make those sacrifices so the young people in this room have a better place as they move on,” says Weinfeld.

The group suggests Congress could use the recommendations of the Simpson-Bowles commission to guide plans to reduce the nation’s debt.