By Laura Weber
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-862630.mp3
Lansing, MI – Some Republican lawmakers in Lansing will skip this weekend's GOP strategy conference on Mackinac Island. Both the House and Senate scheduled tentative sessions for this weekend as they close in on the final days before the budget deadline. The Legislature must pass a budget plan by Wednesday.
Some Democratic lawmakers argue this is the wrong time for Republicans to leave town, but Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop says the GOP has been prepared for months for the coming fiscal year, "We moved a balanced budget in June and the House Democrats are squawking about this weekend. All the sudden they want to close a deal a week before the deadline."
Many Republican party members will spend at least part of the weekend hearing from prospective gubernatorial and presidential candidates.