Note (09/17, 10a) — The video above says that a proposed Republican plan would leave “around $70 billion still on the negotiating table.” The correct figure is closer to $50 billion.
LANSING — With just two weeks until a state government shutdown, lawmakers still are providing few specifics on a potential agreement — but Democrats and Republicans both say that spending cuts are on the table.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke about the impasse Tuesday, but gave lawmakers little direction to avert a potential shutdown.
“We must work together to get certainty here in Michigan and to get the budget done,” she said to a group of lawmakers and local leaders.
Whitmer previously put forward an $83.5 billion recommendation that more closely aligns with the Democratic-controlled Senate’s proposal, which increases spending by about three percent compared to last year.
“A budget deal can deliver on the priorities that I’ve been fighting for — investing in our kids, fixing our roads, helping us compete, keeping people safe,” she said.
Whitmer says that the Republican-backed House plan would not be considered as is — but she did say that she’s open to some level of spending reduction.
“And it can deliver on the House’s goals to — they want to trim spending, they want to fix local roads and increase transparency. All of that is doable,” she said.
State Rep. Ann Bollin, who led the House’s $78.5 billion proposal, says she’s glad to hear that the governor is open to budget cuts.
“Well, I’m sorry that the governor doesn’t want to pass our budget, because it is really one that delivers for the state of Michigan,” she said. “But I am very glad to hear that we do have shared priorities, and that is to deliver across the state. I was happy to hear her say that cuts are on the table.”
Republicans have also proposed a plan that would fund only state law enforcement agencies and about 75% of education spending, while leaving around $50 billion still on the negotiating table.
“There’s no reason for the government to shut down unless there’s an absolute unwillingness to deliver for the people,” Bollin said. “We are ready to work 24/7 to get it done, to make sure that we’re providing good value for Michigan taxpayers.”
Whitmer encouraged lawmakers to re-up their negotiation efforts, saying that the uncertainty of a government shutdown would harm Michigan’s economy and its residents.
“We must remember that while we stand on different sides of the aisle, we all basically want the same things — happy, healthy children, good paying jobs, food on the table, safe communities and a stronger Michigan,” she said.