State services at risk as Michigan government shutdown approaches

LANSING — Michigan is less than two weeks from a government shutdown that would immediately suspend numerous state services that residents rely on.

If a spending plan isn’t reached by Oct. 1, thousands of state workers would be temporarily laid off until lawmakers reach an agreement.

“Not only will our state employees feel the weight of the shutdown — the entire state of Michigan will face some negative impacts, whether direct or indirect,” said Jamie Swain, an executive assistant with the Michigan State Employees Association.

Swain says that a shutdown would cause immediate impacts around the state.

“Our motor carrier officers wouldn’t be able to put wouldn’t be able to patrol the highways, endangering Michigan citizens,” she said. “Our conservation officers would not be able to respo