© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Governor, legislative leaders meet on budget

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-852326.mp3

EAST LANSING, MI – Governor Granholm had another meeting Thursday with the Legislature's Republican and Democratic leaders. But it appears little progress was made toward a deal to retire a $1.8 billion shortfall in the budget for the coming fiscal year.

AUDIO: The governor and Democrats want to save the Michigan Promise college scholarship, and avert big cuts to local governments. Republicans say that requires her to come up with other cuts to balance the budget without raising taxes. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop:

"We're going to have to hunker down through a very difficult time in our state's history, weather this storm, and we'll come out on the other side with a smaller, more-efficient, leaner government," he says.

Robert Emerson is Governor Granholm's budget director. He says there's a long way to go to a deal that would bridge a shortfall that's almost 10% of the current budget.

"The problem is significant, and there are significant differences," he says. "But people are trying to work through it."

The deadline for getting the budget approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Granholm is two months away.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!