LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) — Michigan lawmakers remain divided over key budget issues as the July 1 deadline for passing the state’s K-12 education budget approaches. House leaders traded blame this week over stalled negotiations, particularly surrounding higher education funding and potential cuts to public assistance programs.
During a press conference at the Capitol, the Speaker of the House, Matt Hall (R-Richland Township), said he remains optimistic about finishing the K-12 portion of the budget on time, but admitted the full budget may not be completed before the state’s constitutional deadline on Sept. 30.
“We’re going to make a good faith effort to do schools by July 1,” Hall said, “but the rest of it, I think we’re all going to benefit, and the taxpayers are going to benefit, from a September 30 deadline.”
House Republicans continue to defend their proposed higher education budget, which faced pushback from both Democrats and members of their own caucus. An initial attempt to pass the bill failed, leading to a revised version that scaled back proposed cuts.
House Democrats said the early breakdown in negotiations signals that Republicans were unprepared to lead on the issue. House Democrats spokesperson, Tracy Wimmer criticized the budget rollout. Democrats also expressed concern over Republican rhetoric around public assistance programs like SNAP and Medicaid, calling proposed changes “callous” and “inaccurate.” Wimmer cited data showing most SNAP recipients in Michigan are already working or have disabilities that prevent them from working.
Beyond the budget, lawmakers this week also addressed concerns over safety at the Capitol. Following the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, security in Michigan’s Capitol has been heightened, but to what degree hasn’t been disclosed.
Meanwhile, bipartisan cooperation remains uncertain. Democrats said recent sessions have stalled due to a lack of Republican votes on key budget bills.
“There were several days where we came in for a session, and then absolutely nothing happened,” Wimmer said.
Budget negotiations are expected to continue next week, as legislative leaders weigh both fiscal and political pressures in the final week of the fiscal year.
