By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-921189.mp3
LANSING, MI –
State lawmakers may return to Lansing after Labor Day to completed budget negotiations. That's if leaders in the Legislature find the consensus they say is so close.
AUDIO:
There is a feeling in Lansing this year that has been somewhat absent in recent budget negotiations that led to two government shutdowns; optimism. This year Governor Granholm and leaders in the state House and Senate agree things are going smoothly, and they could reach consensus sooner than later.
With the publically positive tenor of discussions, House Speaker Andy Dillon says this time something else is different too. He's not as quick to set a timeline for completion.
"Oh, I hate playing these games, but, of course," he says. "June 30th, now September 30th."
The Legislature is obligated to complete the budget before October. While some are hopeful there will be an agreement before September 30, still others say they would not be surprised if the debate pushes right up against that October deadline.