LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Despite months of hand wringing after a self-imposed July 1 deadline passed to agree on a state budget, history has shown serious negotiations don’t often take place until the end of September.
And there are signs that will now take place.
“The clock is ticking.”
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State legislators aren’t likely to force a state shutdown by missing the Oct. 1 deadline. That’s only happened in 2007 and 2009 and in both instances, the government shutdown lasted just hours.
But now the Republicans are making overtures to the Democrats that it’s time to get back to the table and negotiate.
“I’m glad the governor is finally back from another taxpayer-funded trip overseas because the clock is ticking,” Senate Republican leader Aric Nesbitt, (Porter Township) said Sept. 16 in a press release. “It’s time to lead Democrats to the bargaining table to pass a balanced budget that fixes Michigan’s crumbling roads and bridges, puts kids first by focusing on reading and math, and respects taxpayers enough to not reach deeper into their pockets. Republicans have put forward real plans to do this. Let’s get to work on a budget that actually helps Michigan families.”
Democrats get schooled.
The Democrats are facing pressure from the education lobby to get a deal done.
Last week, the Oakland County Superintendents Association circulated a letter asking lawmakers to sign a funding pledge. If lawmakers couldn’t agree on a budget, the lobbying group wants the politicians to at least let the school districts know what type of funding they could expect.
State Rep. Donni Steele, (R-Orion Township) said in a press release she is pressing to finalize the budget before the Oct. 1 deadline.
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“Please know that the House of Representatives Leadership has done the work, in good faith. There is a shared anticipation for the coming day when a finalized budget that doesn’t raise taxes, fixes our roads, ensures safe neighborhoods, and funds education can be celebrated with the Governor’s signature,” Steele stated.
Rep. Steele continued, “Signing someone else’s pledge may feel like progress, but real leadership is writing your own pledge and then delivering on it. That is the commitment I have made to Michigan families, and that is the work I intend to finish.”
Over the past 18 years when neither party had control of both chambers, budget deals were finalized in the last week of September.