FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                    Contact Spencer Tobias (989) 482-8498

      The Bay County Young Democrats passed a resolution Tuesday, September 22, 2009 urging Democratic members of the Michigan legislature to reject any budget proposal which eliminates the Michigan Promise Scholarship. BCYD Chair Spencer Tobias explains, "Legislators need to find a way to keep their promises to college students, especially when college tuition has risen drastically in recent years and it is getting harder for students to find jobs to defray these rising costs. Students won't forget in 2010 what our legislators do this week. Young people are very valuable and energetic volunteers for campaigns, and we want to work for candidates that keep their promises."

       The resolution, which was inspired by, and contributes to, efforts of various College and Young Democrat groups around the state reads in part “that the Bay County Young Democrats urge Democratic members of the State Legislature to vote against any budget resolution that would effectively balance the State’s budget at the expense of its students, its future leaders and those on whom they depend as they campaign for office;”. Spencer Tobias cites a desire to “hold our legislators accountable for their votes and in this case, hold them literally to a promise.”

       County Commissioner Brian K. Elder (D-7th District), candidate for the 96th State House seat in 2010 and a member of the Bay County Young Democrats voted for the resolution, saying "The Michigan Promise Scholarship is an important investment in the future of our State. We as Democrats must stand up for our young people and for middle class families who struggle to put their kids through school. In this century, access to quality education will be the most important issue our society faces."

       The resolution was sent to State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-96th) and State Senator Jim Barcia (D-31st) who represent Bay County in the State Legislature. The resolution was also sent to legislators in neighboring districts who represent members of the BCYD.

       Membership in the Bay County Young Democrats is open to those 36 and under, and is not contingent upon joining the state or local party. Additionally, the group welcomes members from neighboring counties and also welcomes students who reside in the area only part-time. Its meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meeting location, membership and any further information can be acquired by emailing youngdems@baycountydems.org.

###

A copy of the Resolution can be found here.