By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-899941.mp3
LANSING, MI –
Lawmakers working on a proposal to encourage veteran teachers to retire have failed to meet Governor Granholm's latest deadline to approve the measure.
AUDIO:
Key negotiators and legislative leaders say that, regardless of Governor Granholm's wishes, there is still time to complete work on the retirement proposal and save school districts money.
Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon says the work must be completed, and soon.
"This has to get done," he says. "It's not a option of how to me, it has to get done or we cannot get a K-12 budget done."
Dillon thinks Democrats and Republicans will be able to reach a deal this week. Republican state Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop says if the Legislature cannot agree on this reform it does not bode well for the remainder of this year's budget negotiations.