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Granholm hopes Congress approves funds for Medicaid, schools

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-916437.mp3

LANSING, MI –

Governor Granholm says she hopes the U.S. Senate will vote Wed on a measure to help states balance their budgets.

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The bill would help states out with money for Medicaid and to avert teacher layoffs. Michigan would be in line for about $300 million if Senate Democratic leaders can win over one Republican to move the bill.

The U.S. House will not vote on the bill before mid-September. Michigan's fiscal year begins October 1. And the federal money will not completely retire Michigan's budget deficit.

Governor Granholm says she can strike a deal with lawmakers in time to meet the deadline.

"They can get this done," she says. "There are ways to close the gap. It's not going to be easy, but nonetheless, we have to get it done."

The governor says she will have a plan ready to present to the state Legislature. She says it will include spending cuts, and new revenue. Legislative Republican leaders say they won't agree to new taxes or fees.

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