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."
Good framing, Governor. You ought to give *ahem* certain people a few lessons in that.
The cops will still be around, but as we mentioned before, other things will stop.
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.
And from the House Dems, State Representative Aldo Vagnozzi announced a plan to make the budget due earlier in the year. Something to look at when the dust settles.
Vagnozzi's proposal calls for the Legislature to present all general appropriation bills for the succeeding fiscal period to the Governor on or before July 1 of each fiscal year. Vagnozzi's legislation would be in line with local governments, school boards and colleges, whose fiscal year begins July 1. At the present time, they have to wait three months before they know how much state funding they will be getting.
That is a good idea- get in line with the schools. But we might need to see some penalties in place if they don't get it done...