State Superintendent Michael Rice says the Michigan House and Senate’s failure to pass a budget is more than a political standoff — it’s a looming disruption for classrooms, cafeterias, and communities. More than 40 days have passed since the July 1 deadline required by state law, which carries no penalty for lawmakers. Rice says the lack of consequences is part of the problem and is urging legislative leaders to resolve their differences before the start of the new school year, calling the delay “unacceptable” and a direct threat to the state’s progress on school funding equity.

“It’s unacceptable that the state Legislature can flout state law because it’s the state Legislature and presumably there are no consequences,” Rice said. “Local school leaders are going to be risk averse, they’r

See Full Page