How bad is it going to be? Very bad. 22 percent unemployment. $1.9 billion in lost taxes out of what would be an $11 billion general fund this year alone. The only options: Huge cuts, tax increases or hope for a D.C. bailout.
As the state does its part, one better way to reduce government spending would be to turn to Ford, General Motors and Fiat-Chrysler, recipients of public taxpayer dollars.
The Senate education committee chair said drastic cuts of $2,000 per student may be unavoidable in the fall following huge tax revenue losses from the pandemic. School officials cite the need for more services, not fewer.
Michigan state budget coffers have been hit hard by the coronavirus, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's staff begin sending emails to state employees Wednesday announcing 10-day layoffs.
One year after blasting pork-barrel spending, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs onto a larger spending deal that includes $37 million in small community grants. Among other things, the money will pay for a Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall elevator and $1 million for the auto show.
Addressing everyday social determinants today — from food security to postpartum care to youngsters’ teeth — will save more in the long run, says Michigan’s Health and Human Services director.
Michigan’s governor proposes a big move toward universal pre-K and free training and college for adults in a budget that includes the biggest school aid increase in 20 years. State university funding? Meh.
Much could change before Michigan adopts a budget this year, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants more money for vulnerable mothers, environmental cleanups and education. College and municipal leaders aren’t so happy.
One day after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced she will borrow money for roads fixes, a state commission approves the measure that will send 40 percent of projects to southeast Michigan.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republicans agree $3.5 billion bonds plan isn’t a long-term solution for Michigan’s ailing roads. But they contend it’s up to the other side to come up with a better solution.
Yes, Michigan’s divisive budget battle just ended. But it’s starting again soon, and state officials say there’s good news and bad news. The state collected more taxes, but old decisions limit how they can be spent.
After weeks of delays, Michigan lawmakers agree to compromise with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on budget vetoes and spending shifts. Left unresolved: nearly a half-billion dollars still cut from the budget.
Michigan lawmakers passed bills Wednesday that reflect an agreement to return $573.5 million to the state budget. A deal would restore funding to popular GOP programs, including money for charter schools, autism programming and rural hospitals.
Gretchen Whitmer responds to criticism from Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and says both sides are no closer to finding a compromise on a weeks-long budget stalemate over $1 billion in cuts and transfers. Shirkey apologized again Monday afternoon.
County sheriffs, small schools, local governments and other groups grappling with state funding cuts may have to wait several more weeks for Michigan leaders to resolve an ongoing budget dispute.
While Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and GOP leaders squabble, budget vetoes are forcing cuts or other tough decisions for local governments, nonprofits and service entities that have already lost state funding — or will soon if state leaders do not resolve the dispute.
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday offered Republican legislative leaders a series of bargaining concessions in an attempt to break an ongoing budget stalemate but made clear she will not sign away gubernatorial power.
