Michigan is days away from a partial shutdown as lawmakers remain deadlocked over the state budget. The deadline to adopt a balanced budget is October 1, and with the Republican-led House and Democratic-controlled Senate at odds, no bipartisan deal is in place.

The state Senate gaveled in and out on Monday with little action and light attendance, underscoring the stalemate. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids has said she is prepared to add session days to push negotiations forward. Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed confidence that an agreement is still possible. Speaking at an event in Kentwood to defend funding for universal free school meals, she said, “I’ve already signed six balanced, bipartisan budgets, this year should be no different.” Yet her administration has

See Full Page