Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr put on his politician hat on Tuesday and headed to Lansing to drum up support from lawmakers.
His mission: To get state lawmakers to approve $350 million in state funds to help bring the city out of bankruptcy. Gov. Snyder has pledged $350 million over 20 years toward an $816 million fund designed to limit cuts to pensions. It would also keep the the Detroit Institute of Arts from having to sell art to satisfy creditors.
But not all the lawmakers are on board at this point. Orr is hoping to change that.
Chris Gautz of Crain's Detroit Business reports:
Orr told reporters he felt the “grand bargain” — $816 million in pension contributions pledged by private foundations and the Detroit Institute of Arts, as well as the $350 million from the state — was in “very good condition,” and that he hopes a deal can be reached sooner rather than later, because the state funding is built into the plan of adjustment.
“We’re counting on this,” Orr said.
Crain's reports that Orr met with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle at Gov. Rick Snyder’s ceremonial office in the state Capitol. Snyder was not in town Tuesday. -- A.L.
