September 26, 2007
September 26, 2007
Thursday deadline looms for budget agreement
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that in the event of a partial shutdown of state government next Monday, essential services will be maintained to protect the health and safety of Michigan residents. Granholm made the announcement as she continues to negotiate with state lawmakers who have yet to approve a comprehensive solution to the state's budget crisis.
"The Legislature's failure to agree to a comprehensive solution that will prevent massive cuts to public safety, health care, and education for Michigan citizens will not keep us from doing what is necessary to protect the families of this state," Granholm said. "In the event the Legislature forces us into a partial government shutdown, it is our intention to continue the most vital services until a budget resolution is reached."
The governor continues to meet with lawmakers to resolve the budget crisis and is hopeful a resolution can be reached before Thursday when steps to shut down state government on October 1 must begin.
The new fiscal year begins Monday, October 1.
Granholm said that while essential services will continue regardless of whether a budget is in place, citizens can expect a variety of services to cease operation, among them: state-licensed casino gaming in Detroit, sale of lottery tickets, distribution of packaged liquor, state parks, and welcome centers. The governor noted that the Secretary of State has already signaled that branch offices around the state will be closed, preventing citizens from renewing driver licenses, vehicle registrations, and processing vehicle titles.
Granholm pledged to work with lawmakers for as long as it takes to reach a solution, but said without an agreement on Thursday, the state must initiate a government shutdown on Friday.
"Seven months ago, I proposed a comprehensive solution that would have resolved the state's budget crisis with a combination of budget cuts, government reforms, and new revenue," Granholm said. "State lawmakers must act now to put a comprehensive solution in place by October 1."
Administration Cabinet officials met with the governor Tuesday, after outlining their plans for a partial shutdown of state government.
In the event a partial shutdown is necessary, details will be released on Friday.
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