LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan needs a budget by Oct. 1, but that’s not stopping Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from jetting off to Japan next month.

The trip is slated for two weeks, although specific details are pending. Whitmer’s traveling companion includes members of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) which toured with Whitmer on other international trips funded by taxpayers.

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In addition, Whitmer and the MEDC are under an investigative microscope as law enforcement looks into legal entanglements between Whitmer, the legislature, the MEDC, and Democratic donor Faye Beydoun. In 2022, Whitmer allegedly asked the lawmakers to earmark at least $15 million for Beydoun’s nonprofit, who served on the MEDC board.

The state has a statutory budget deadline of July 1, which Whitmer easily met during the past several years with a Democratic majority in both chambers. However, the governor, who frequently touts her ability to “work with anyone,” can’t seem to work with House Republicans since they took power this year.

On Thursday, House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) announced the state House would consider an amendment to the Michigan Constitution that would withhold lawmaker pay should they fail to meet the July 1 deadline for passing a state budget. Hall stated independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan, Detroit’s Mayor and former Democrat, first floated the idea.

The state budget provides funding for state departments, K-12 schools, road projects, local municipalities, and governmental services.