The National Priorities Project has released a new analysis of how the ongoing occupation of Iraq is impacting the state of Michigan. The organization says that the cost of the Iraq War has already cost the state $13.9 billion, with an additional $2.2 billion (2008) and $3.7 billion (2009) expected to cost Michigan a total of $19.8 billion through 2009. Additionally, President George W. Bush's proposed 2009 budget would decrease federal aid to state and local governments by $19.2 billion. For Michigan, this means $33.3 million in cuts for Community Development Block Grants that are currently benefiting 223 Michigan communities, $17.3 million in cuts for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, $18 million in cuts for Social Services Block Grants, and $7.9 million in cuts for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. The total amount of the cuts, $76.5 million, is equal to what Michigan taxpayers spend on the Iraq War in five hours.

Once again, we would like to use this opportunity to encourage folks to attend the antiwar march tomorrow organized by ACTIVATE (Grand Rapids SDS). The march begins at 12:00pm at Heartside Park (just south of the intersection of Ionia and Cherry) in downtown Grand Rapids.