http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX3CIVQV10Q
Value for Michigan, a political action committee that supports Governor Snyder's proposed budget, has released a video with kids asking their parents and grandparents to support "Governor Rick."
In the short 30 second ad, the children say:
- "Please be responsible with our future."
- "Don't pass the buck."
- "Don't leave it on us"
- "This is our one chance"
- "So there will be jobs"
- "Help Governor Rick change Michigan"
The video is online now and if organizers raise enough money the ad could be on television.
John Yob, a republican political strategist who worked on John McCain's presidential campaign, is heading up the Value for Michigan effort.
MLive's Peter Luke quoted Yob in his piece on the video:
Yob said addressing the add [sic] to “Grandma and Grandpa” is not a direct reference the measure’s element to collect some $900 million in new personal income taxes on pensions and other retirement income... “It generally speaks to the importance of creating an environment where jobs can flourish,” Yob said. “It’s children telling their elders to support an environment where they’re able to get a job in Michigan rather than move out of state as so many college-age adults are being forced to do.”
The Michigan Senate's democratic leader, Gretchen Whitmer denounced the ad, saying in a statement:
“This is a despicable use of these children since its clear the creators didn’t also tell them that Snyder’s budget would have devastating impacts on their ability to obtain a quality education in this State,” said Whitmer. “The Governor’s budget would strip over $715 per pupil from our school districts and instead give that money to big corporations, insurance companies, and CEOs. It’s appalling anyone would expect us to believe that is a plan any child would think is fair.”
Teachers have held protests against Snyder's proposed changes to the budget.
Today, some seniors and retirees are protesting in Lansing.
Value for Michigan is asking for donations and petition signatures on its website.
