LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – As Michigan’s budget deadline looms, Democratic leaders are voicing frustration over stalled negotiations and last-minute session cancellations at the state Capitol.
State Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), House Minority Leader, criticized Speaker Matt Hall on Tuesday for what he called a lack of engagement in the budgeting process. The House had been scheduled to meet but canceled session with little notice.
“There are districts, school districts across the states that are struggling right now to operate in the blind,” Puri said. “Pink slips have been issued. Teachers can’t buy supplies for their classrooms, and parents just have uncertainty in terms of what after-school activities are going to be around.”
Democrats argue that the delayed budget process is impacting school districts statewide, regardless of party representation, and that uncertainty is causing operational challenges. They also say that with expected federal budget cuts on the horizon, a comprehensive state spending plan is urgently needed.
Puri said the state Senate has advanced its budget proposals in line with past timelines, while the House has fallen behind. He placed blame on Speaker Hall, saying the House has not made a serious effort to negotiate with Democrats.
“The Senate has proven to be able to get a budget done on time. This is not new. Matt Hall has never delivered a budget on time,” Puri said. “There is only one cog in this that has changed from recent history, that is Matt Hall becoming speaker, and then magically now budgets are not getting done.”
Road funding remains a key issue in the broader budget conversation. While Puri said Lansing Democrats support modernizing infrastructure, he added that a sustainable funding plan would require new revenue, something Republican leadership has not supported.
“We’re open to solutions,” Puri said. “But we need something long-term, not just a temporary fix.”
Puri also expressed support for continued dialogue with the governor’s office and the Senate, stating that Democrats are aligned on priorities and timelines. However, he emphasized the need for increased transparency and meaningful negotiation.
House Republicans’ Spokesperson Gideon D’Assandro gave WZMQ this statement: “The House did not meet after hearing the Senate Democrats canceled their attendance for the day. Unfortunately, the Senate Democrats are just as uninterested in passing an education budget or fixing the roads this week as they have been all year. Their budget is out of balance, and they can’t or won’t pass a roads plan. They have been and continue to be the roadblock to progress in Michigan. House Republicans and Gov. Whitmer are ready and willing to get this done anytime the Senate Democrats are ready to take things seriously.”
