An advocacy group says Michigan is the only state in the nation to see an overall revenue drop for cities, townships and counties from 2002 to 2012. The Michigan Municipal League said Monday the state cut revenue sharing with cities, townships, villages and counties by $7.5 billion during the 2002 to 2012 timeframe. To be clear, the group advocates for more state money for local governments. Cities use revenue sharing dollars to pay for things like fire and police departments, local roads, libraries and city hall expenses. The group used U.S. Census Bureau data to show that Michigan cities saw an 8 percent drop in revenues that the group says is tied to state laws. Senate Fiscal Agency economist David Zinn said he couldn't confirm or deny the group's claims, but called them "believable."
