Michigan lawmakers say they have agreement to pass budget before shutdown

By Beth LeBlanc and Craig Mauger, MediaNews Group

LANSING, Mich. — The Republican-led Michigan House voted Thursday on a tax increase and a “decoupling” from federal tax law in an effort to raise more money for roads and reach an overall budget agreement with the Democratic-led Senate and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before the Sept. 30 deadline.

The bills, which passed 78-21 and 95-4 with wide bipartisan support, would impose a 24% wholesale tax on marijuana and split Michigan from federal tax law changes that benefit businesses.

The votes were followed by a joint statement Thursday by Whitmer, Republican House Speaker Matt Hall and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks that said the Legislature had reached an agreement to pass the budget on time and before a government shutdown tha