By AP
LANSING, MI – The Michigan House has voted to cut state aid to local libraries by 40%.
Lawmakers have until midnight Wednesday to erase a $2.8 billion shortfall or there may be a partial shutdown of state government.
Aid to local libraries would drop from $10 million to $6 million under a budget bill approved 74-34 Tuesday by the Democratic-led House. The Republican-controlled Senate will vote on the bill next before it heads to Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
The bill also includes a $160,000, or 44%, cut to centers that give donated books to students, seniors, substance-abuse programs, veterans' homes and prisons.