Advocates: More state funding needed for victims of domestic violence
LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — Agencies that support victims of domestic violence were outside the Michigan capitol building Tuesday to urge more funding for domestic violence services.
The efforts are a part of legislative advocacy day for the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, according to Rachel VerWys of Safe Haven Ministries.
'Critical resources are needed to create safety planning to offer those experiencing abuse and violence a way to healing. We are facing funding shortages through our grant funding and we need the state of Michigan to commit budget resources to make up that gap in funding,' explained VerWys.
Advocates say woman's death shows 'stark reality' of domestic abuse
Currently, funding for domestic violence support programs comes partially from a federal fund called the Victim of Crime Act Money, VerWys said.
'Over a number of years, that funding bucket has dropped to such a critical level that unless the state of Michigan committed to offset that gap, we would have already experienced shortfalls. Thankfully, our state has started to commit to add our own state budgetary resources to this pool of funding to support survivors,' VerWys explained.
But she says it's not enough. So far, $50 million of the upcoming state budget has been allocated for victims of domestic violence but the coalition is calling for $75 million, saying more money is needed to meet increased demand.
New Kent County court aims to 'treat the root' of domestic violence
'If agencies do not get this funding, that will create such a shortfall that services will shut down in different parts of our communities across the state of Michigan and survivors will suffer. They will lose access to safety planning, to safe shelter, to crisis support, to legal advocacy, to really the essentials that we need to keep our communities safe from those who do harm,' VerWys said.
The risk of domestic violence has increased in recent years because of housing crises and rising cost of living, and is expected to keep growing, according to MCEDSV.
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Key features include a significant increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio through new levies on salaried individuals, real estate, and retail sectors, a hike in the petroleum development levy, and a substantial allocation for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). While these measures are crucial for fiscal discipline and revenue generation, they must be embedded within a broader, more strategic economic vision for the nation. The global political and economic landscape presents a myriad of complexities. As a nation heavily reliant on imports for essential commodities and on exports to a few key markets like the European Union and the United States, Pakistan is susceptible to global economic slowdowns and trade protectionism. Geopolitical tensions in the region, including the fragile situation in Afghanistan and the perennially strained relationship with India, create an environment of uncertainty that deters foreign investment. The strategic partnership with China, embodied by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), offers significant opportunities for infrastructure development but also brings with it debt obligations and the need for careful management to ensure its benefits are widely distributed. In this context, an ideal five-year economic policy for Pakistan should be anchored in a bold vision of achieving economic sovereignty through sustainable and inclusive growth. The government's own "Uraan Pakistan" five-year plan, with its focus on the "Five Es" – Exports, E-Pakistan, Equity and Empowerment, Environment, and Energy – provides a solid framework. The immediate priority must be to continue on the path of fiscal consolidation outlined in the latest budget, but with a greater emphasis on equity and efficiency. Instead of repeatedly squeezing the existing narrow base of taxpayers, the focus must shift to bringing untaxed and undertaxed sectors, such as real estate and agriculture, into the tax net. A progressive taxation system where the wealthy contribute their fair share is essential for social cohesion and sustainable revenue generation. A comprehensive review of government expenditures is necessary to cut non-essential spending. However, austerity measures should not come at the expense of critical social sectors like health and education. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) must be given full autonomy to function independently to effectively manage inflation and maintain a stable exchange rate. A market-driven exchange rate is crucial for export competitiveness. The perennial drain on the national exchequer from loss-making SOEs must be plugged through a transparent and strategic privatisation process. 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A dedicated focus on "E-Pakistan" should involve: i) Ensuring widespread access to high-speed and affordable internet is the foundation upon which a digital economy is built. ii) Providing a conducive ecosystem for IT companies and freelancers through tax incentives, skill development programmes, and access to international payment gateways can significantly boost foreign exchange earnings. iii) Leveraging technology to improve governance, enhance transparency, and reduce corruption will have a far-reaching positive impact on the overall economic environment. No economic policy can be successful without investing in the country's greatest asset: its people. This requires: i) A radical overhaul of the education system is needed to produce a workforce equipped with the skills required for the 21st-century economy. 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