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"You don't cut your way to the top, you have to be more thoughtful where you deploy those dollars," said Snyder. "Let's put it in things that deliver real results, not simply spending money."
Snyder gave us one example of a program that recognizes teacher success. It's called “Master Teacher.“
The instructor would mentor, evaluate and help other teachers. Snyder said it would retain talented teachers and mold others to be just as successful.
Meanwhile, Snyder defended Public Act 4, the emergency financial manager law.
"If anything, this is an improvement to have fewer managers and have them there for a shorter period of time," Snyder said.
Emergency financial managers received more power. WSBT News reported back in April Benton Harbor's emergency financial manager, Joseph Harris, stripped the city commissioners of their authority.
Leaders could only call meetings to order, approve the minutes and adjourn the meetings.
Opponents say it's like a dictatorship.
"It's not almost, it is," said Larry Dolphin. "Fascism is fascism."
WSBT News talked at length about that.
"Ultimately, they do have representation. I represent all of the people in the state of Michigan, and I appoint the emergency managers," Snyder said.
When asked about some people’s concern their government is not locally represented, Snyder responded, "Again, we have local legislators. I represent everyone in our state... it's part of the process."
A lawsuit is pending. Critics argue Public Act 4 is unconstitutional. Snyder argues the measure is constitutional.
He said the state has grounds. When the state intervenes, it's "truly an emergency."
Snyder said in a perfect world, emergency financial managers would not exist, but the state needed a solution because cities kept getting into trouble and would then turn to Lansing for help.