This state budget cycle, advocates from the statewide organization the Michigan Coalition to end Domestic and Sexual Violence asked legislators to approve $75 million to support victim services — but the newly approved budget only provides $35 million.
According to MCEDSV associate director Johanna Kononen, the proposed increase of $45 million from the previous year’s funding level of $30 million was intended to fill a gap left by reductions in federal funds.
In a previous interview with WMUK, Kononen said the requested extra funds were needed just to keep services running at the same level and maintain the “status quo.” Now, with only $5 million in additional funding secured in the state budget, Kononen said programs will have to start making tough decisions…