LANSING – The budget for Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will wait another two weeks as the Senate Appropriations subcommittee works to soften the blow of coming cuts.
Sen. Valde Garcia (R-Howell), chair of the Senate Appropriations Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Subcommittee, said the budget would have to be cut 1.3 percent to make room for the Senate Republicans’ rejection of tax loophole closures recommended by Gov. Jennifer Granholm as well as funding of some programs that had been cut in the governor’s recommendation.
“What we’re trying to do is prevent some painful cuts by being a little creative,” Garcia said on explaining why the committee would not, as announced, be completing work on the budget Wednesday. “We’re trying to buy a little time.”
Garcia expected the budget work to be completed next week, but said committee members would not be available Tuesday or Wednesday. He said a vote could be possible Tuesday if he can reach agreement with committee Democrats on the final product.
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