How bad is it going to be? Very bad. 22 percent unemployment. $1.9 billion in lost taxes out of what would be an $11 billion general fund this year alone. The only options: Huge cuts, tax increases or hope for a D.C. bailout.
Michigan's spending
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Michigan needs money: Whitmer should renegotiate business subsidy deals
As the state does its part, one better way to reduce government spending would be to turn to Ford, General Motors and Fiat-Chrysler, recipients of public taxpayer dollars.
Posted inTalent & Education
GOP leader: Up to 25 percent cuts to Michigan schools from coronavirus
The Senate education committee chair said drastic cuts of $2,000 per student may be unavoidable in the fall following huge tax revenue losses from the pandemic. School officials cite the need for more services, not fewer.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer laying off government workers as coronavirus hits Michigan budget
Michigan state budget coffers have been hit hard by the coronavirus, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s staff begin sending emails to state employees Wednesday announcing 10-day layoffs.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers move to approve $37M pet projects on Election Day
One year after blasting pork-barrel spending, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs onto a larger spending deal that includes $37 million in small community grants. Among other things, the money will pay for a Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall elevator and $1 million for the auto show.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s health budget is heavy on prevention
Addressing everyday social determinants today — from food security to postpartum care to youngsters’ teeth — will save more in the long run, says Michigan’s Health and Human Services director.
Posted inTalent & Education
Preschoolers, older college students win in Whitmer education budget
Michigan’s governor proposes a big move toward universal pre-K and free training and college for adults in a budget that includes the biggest school aid increase in 20 years. State university funding? Meh.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer’s budget: more help for Michigan moms, not so much for local roads
Much could change before Michigan adopts a budget this year, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants more money for vulnerable mothers, environmental cleanups and education. College and municipal leaders aren’t so happy.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer wants to bring back scaled-down Pure Michigan campaign
The Democratic governor is proposing $15 million in funding for the tourism advertising campaign she nixed last year during a budget .
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan OKs $3.5B in roads spending. Much of it is going to Metro Detroit.
One day after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced she will borrow money for roads fixes, a state commission approves the measure that will send 40 percent of projects to southeast Michigan.