LANSING – The Michigan Senate recessed Monday waiting to see if the House has a plan to resolve the 2007-08 budget – if the House does not, Senate Republicans will attempt to push a plan of their own.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) told reporters that based on comments made Monday by House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) that he had a framework for action with House Republicans the Senate wanted to see what that plan could be.
But if the House does move something forward, then he would outline a proposal for action to his caucus. Bishop said he would also discuss the proposals with Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek). Bishop worried that Democrats may try political moves to block proposals, though when asked what moves they were taking he said he did not know.
Ironically, on Monday the House decided to wait until 4 p.m., Tuesday, before going into session because it wanted to see what Senate officials would propose.
Bishop would not say what a Senate plan might look like, but said, “If Senate Republicans are willing to open the door, we’ll be sticking our necks way out, (Democrats) should be willing to put up votes for a fair and reasonable compromise.”
The Senate, on a 17-20 mostly partyline vote, did send a bill (SB 418) setting new requirements for health insurance pooling for school and other public employees to conference, with Republicans saying the House changes “gutted” the intent of the reform plan. Sen. Bruce Patterson (R-Canton) and Sen. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw) voted to concur in the House changes; Senate Minority Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) voted against concurring.
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