With less than a week to avert a partial shutdown of Michigan’s state government, pressure mounts on the Legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer to reach a bipartisan budget agreement. Demonstrators gather daily at the state Capitol, urging lawmakers to finalize the budget to prevent potential cuts.
Rebecca Taylor, an employee of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, expressed her concerns: “It’s time for people to stop trying to score political points and get down to the business, the state business, of securing a budget that benefits everybody in the state and not just some political agenda.” Taylor highlighted the risk to programs ensuring clean air and water, alongside the uncertainty faced by state employees about their job security in case of a shutdown.
While Governor Whitmer’s administration has not disclosed plans for handling a potential shutdown, they remain hopeful for an imminent budget resolution. Lauren Leeds, spokesperson for the State Budget Office, commented via email, “It is the Legislature’s job to pass a budget that will help Michigan families thrive. Once that budget is passed, it will go to the governor’s desk for signature.” Leeds noted the ongoing progress and optimism toward reaching a deal.
The budget necessitates bipartisan cooperation due to the Republican-led House and Democratic-majority Senate. Lawmakers are extending their meeting schedules, possibly working through the weekend, although some leaders remain uncertain about meeting the deadline.
House Majority Floor Leader, Representative Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford), stated, “I personally am operating under the expectation that it’s going to be done by 11:59 (p.m.) on September 30. That’s my expectation. That’s what our voters sent us here to do.” Nonetheless, additional session days have been prepared after the deadline in case further negotiations are needed.
As the deadline nears, the Michigan Attorney General’s office has requested courts to delay certain cases, especially those set for early October. The decision rests with the presiding judges. The office cautioned employees about potential layoffs, which would affect various public services, including handling consumer complaints and reports of elder abuse and identity theft, according to spokesperson Kimberly Bush.
Prosecutions in Lake County, managed by the Attorney General’s office due to a vacancy, would also halt on October 1. Meanwhile, the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, responsible for driver’s licenses and voter registrations, is assessing different scenarios of a partial shutdown. Angela Benander, the department’s chief communications officer, indicated uncertainty, stating, “Hard to say more without knowing more.”
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