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Budget truce between Whitmer, GOP appears close

The state Senate today (Thu.) took steps toward restoring money to programs vetoed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer earlier this year. The budget bills are supposed to be approved by the House and the Senate and sent to the governor’s desk next week.

The Senate actions are a step toward restoring a working relationship between the Democratic governor and the Legislature’s Republican leaders following a contentious budget process. The standoff put money for autism services, charter schools and public safety at risk.

Amber McCann is the press secretary for Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey.

“There, I believe, is a deal in concept and we are still working on some details.”

One big detail is restraints on the power of the State board that’s controlled by Whitmer and other Democrats. Republican leaders were incensed by unilateral budget transfers adopted by the board without getting the Legislature’s approval. That controversy has been an obstacle to ending the standoff.

I’m Rick Pluta at the state Capitol