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Detroit Emergency Manager Tries To Sell Bailout To Lawmakers

Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is spending a couple of days in Lansing for closed-door meetings with state officials.

As The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta reports, he’s trying to convince reluctant state lawmakers to support the Detroit bailout package.

The state’s share would be $350 million. That would have to be approved by the Legislature.

Kevyn Orr says he’s’ optimistic all the pieces will eventually come together to get the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history wrapped up by this fall. 

   “We’re, we’re counting on this,” he says.  “The sooner we can get everything in with the momentum we’ve got going forward, the better it will be for everyone.”

Republican state House Speaker Jase Bolger says he still has to be sold on the deal.

“We have to make sure this is a one-time investment that secures a long-term success for the people of Detroit and the people of the state of Michigan,” he says.

Bolger says he’s sticking with his demand that the city’s employee unions also pull money from their bank accounts as part of the bargain.

   For the Michigan Public Radio Network, I’m Rick Pluta

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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