LANSING – Michigan’s state government has entered its new fiscal year without an approved budget, a situation that technically violates the state’s constitution.
Despite missing the October 1 midnight deadline, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has assured that government operations will keep running.
“State government will continue providing uninterrupted services and all state employees will work tomorrow, getting things done for their fellow Michiganders. We’re almost there. Let’s get it done,” Whitmer stated in a joint press release with House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids).
In an email to state workers on Tuesday afternoon, Whitmer emphasized continuity, stating “Your work will continue. You will get paid.”
However, the specific mechanism for maintaining government funding without an approved budget remains unclear.
Local 4 has reached out to a spokesperson for the governor for clarity.
But a House Republicans spokesperson suggested that lawmakers could pass a continuing resolution to maintain funding at the previous fiscal year’s levels.
Last Thursday, September 25, Whitmer, Hall and Brinks announced reaching a framework for a budget agreement.
The House, where Republicans hold the majority, approved a $78.5 billion budget, while the Democratic-controlled Senate passed a $84.5 billion plan. Whitmer put forth in February a $83.5 billion budget proposal, but road funding wasn’t included.
While specific details remain limited, both Republican and Democratic leaders have claimed victories in the negotiations.
Hall highlighted Republican priorities in a statement Tuesday afternoon: “House Republicans have been fighting from day one to restore school safety and mental health, eliminate ghost employees, and bring the Hall Ethics Accountability and Transparency plan permanently to Lansing, and now we are seeing movement on these major priorities.”
From the Democratic side, Brinks emphasized different wins in the budget agreement in a statement: “I’m proud that we will be voting on a product that secures free breakfast and lunch for kids, protects Medicaid, secures meaningful funding for families and communities while also delivering on roads.”
Although Whitmer said the government will remain operational without a budget, some Michigan school districts will discontinue providing free school meals without one in place.
