KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – With the Michigan budget deadline looming, one local lawmaker is recommending that anyone who has business with the state get it done before the end of the month.
State Representative Matt Longjohn, who represents southeastern Kalamazoo County and sits on the House Appropriations Committee, says it doesn’t appear the state is going to have a budget by October 1.
“I am very disappointed to tell you that we are mostly likely headed for a state government shutdown.”
He told the Portage City Council this week the pieces just aren’t in place.
“You know having a framework of a deal is important to be able to get all the process and paperwork and accounting done to even have a budget to vote on and by all accounts we’re nowhere close.”
Longjohn says It isn’t entirely clear what impact a prolonged shutdown could have.
Kalamazoo County Administrator Kevin Catlin, who is working on Kalamazoo County’s budget for next year, says the Republican House version includes deep cuts to law enforcement, county revenue sharing and health programs.
“From what I understand from the Michigan Association of Counties, it cuts it by about 30% which is detrimental. That will have implications on this budget, if that budget specifically was passed.”
The last time Michigan government shut down because of a budget crisis was in 2009, and then it was only for a couple of hours.
Longjohn says the Governor has begun a review of what services would be suspended and what would continue to operate if a shut down occurs.
Comments