The word "tentative" in the title gives me pause. I remember last November.
LANSING -- Public schools and universities would get more money, and there'll be no 4-year limit on welfare benefits under a 2007-08 state budget agreement announced Friday between Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Republican lawmakers.
The agreement on the $9.2-billion general fund budget gives prisons slightly less money, but would pay to train 50 new State Police troopers.
Legislative conference committees must still work out details of the budget deal. The budget, which would take effect Oct. 1, does not raise taxes or cut medical care and other services for people in need.
House Republicans were disappointed that Granholm wouldn't agree to a time limit for welfare benefits. The GOP pushed for a strict 4-year limit, while Granholm offered a 4-year limit with exemptions for those who could not hold jobs.
Friday's tentative deal would give school districts a minimum of $7,085 per student, up $210. The lowest-spending districts would get an extra $20 million to divide.
Also, $20 million would be spread among districts that are losing students, and another $20 million would go toward enhancing math and science in middle schools.