That’s because the new state budget sees a funding cut of $300 per student, not including the already approved $170 dollar reduction to schools. An advisor to Governor Snyder, Bill Rustem acknowledges that will likely mean larger class sizes.

“Class size matters at the youngest grades, kindergarten through three, once you get beyond that, it doesn’t matter as much, all you who went to college know that you sat in lecture halls that were very, very large,” says Rustem.

Supporters of the new budget also claim some districts could shrink the size of their cuts by using what they call “best financial practices” which are designed to make budgeting more efficient.

Over 300 local citizens, business people, government officials and stakeholders attended as the strategic growth plan for Livingston County, Advantage Livingston, was unveiled.

Bill Rustem, Director of Strategy for Governor Rick Snyder, spoke about the future of Michigan, the importance of having a plan and collaborating across all lines. “Today, 40 percent of Michigan college grads leave the state,” Rustem says. “We have to change the state to become attractive.”

“For far too long, Michigan has rewarded the past and punished the future. You are a shining example of what every community in Michigan ought to be doing. This work is too important to not continue what you’re doing,” says Rustem of the initiative.

The vision of Advantage Livingston is increased and sustainable prosperity of the Livingston County area.

The plan consists of five broad strategies for the future, identified as: brainpower, placemaking, marketing, jobs and prosperity.

You’ll find copies of the publication at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, 123 E. Washington in Howell; the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, 131 Hyne Street in Brighton; and the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce, 3508 Avon Street in Hartland.

The complete plan is also available online at AdvantageLivingston.com.

To find out how to become involved in work groups to help implement the plan, contact Pat Convery, president of the Howell chamber, at (517) 546-3920 or pconvery@howell.org.