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State IDing Federally Funded Workers

On the second day of the federal government shutdown, half a dozen national nature preserves in Michigan closed.

And Michigan is in the process of identifying state employees paid with federal funds. 

We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta.

The state budget office says thousands of state employees whose jobs are funded through federal grants and programs would be laid off if the shutdown lasts more than a couple weeks. Some Michigan National Guard employees have already been sent home. Food assistance, housing subsidies, and school lunches could also run out of money in two weeks or less.

Governor Rick Snyder says it’s not fair that members of Congress are still paid while aid for needy families is in jeopardy.

   “In my view, the federal government doesn’t even know how to shut down the federal government appropriately,” he says.

State budget officials say Michigan doesn’t have enough money to cover the costs of assistance programs once federal funds run out.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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