The state of Michigan has officially notified 48 thousand public employees they could be soon be laid off. That’s if there’s no budget deal between Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature within two weeks.
Governor Whitmer and GOP leaders are at an impasse over road funding, and that’s holding up adoption of the new state budget. The Michigan Constitution says the state cannot legally spend money unless the Legislature adopts a budget.
Kurt Weiss is with the state Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. He says with the October first deadline approaching, it’s time to notify state employees about the possibility of layoffs.
“You know, with two weeks to go, it’s hard to know which way this is going to go.”
If a shutdown occurs, State Police troopers, corrections officers, and child welfare workers would be expected to show up for work. That’s because the Michigan Constitution also requires the state to protect public health and safety.