By AP
LANSING, MI – Republicans in the Michigan House are detailing a state budget proposal that includes using more federal stimulus money to fix roads and make loans available to small businesses.
Republicans are scheduled to discuss the plan later Wednesday.
Michigan faces potential budget shortfalls of $2.7 billion in the fiscal year starting in October. Republicans want to balance the budget without tax or fee increases.
House Republicans want to save money by freezing the number of state employees and cutting spending in several departments, reducing fraud and waste in Medicaid, privatizing some prison services and limiting the timeframe for welfare eligibility.
Democrats hold a 67-43 edge over Republicans in the 110-member Michigan House.