Lawmakers miss self-imposed budget deadline of June 1
June 1 was the self-imposed deadline for passing the budget, but because lawmakers couldn't finalize plans on state education spending, the state legislature's budget won't be finalized until next week. MLive's Tim Martin has more on the legislature's plan for education spending.
Lawmakers did pass a bill yesterday that covers all other state government spending. Michigan Radio's Steve Carmody reports Birmingham state representative Chuck Moss said the budget bill is not perfect:
“No budget is,” Moss said during the debate on the House floor, “But the perfect is the enemy of the good.”
Democrats opposed the budget saying it helps businesses and corporations in the state at the expense of the poor, middle class, and senior citizens.
Michigan AG launches investigation into McCotter petitions
Michigan's Republican Attorney General issued a statement yesterday saying he was starting an investigation into U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter's re-election campaign. Primary ballot petitions needed to get McCotter's name on the August primary ballot appeared to have many irregularities, including duplicate signatures. From the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire blog:
Attorney General Bill Schuette, in a statement Thursday, said his office will “follow the facts, without fear or favor….If evidence of criminal violations is uncovered, we will not hesitate to prosecute.” Mr. McCotter, in a statement said, “I thank the Michigan Secretary of State & Attorney General for commencing the criminal investigation of petitions I requested Tuesday; will assist as they see fit.”
Governor Snyder visits site of wildfire in the U.P.
Governor Rick Snyder toured the site of the Duck Lake Fire in Michigan's Upper Peninsula yesterday. The fire has burned more than 21,000 acres and crews continue to fight the blaze. The Michigan DNR is asking homeowners to contact them, even if they live out of state. More on Snyder's visit from Rick Barnes at MLive:
“It’s devastating. You see the fire, you see the structures, homes burned down,” said Snyder, who was flown over the more than 21,000 acres that burned north for 14 miles, to the Lake Superior shore... Residents could learn Friday when they will be allowed to return to their property. Firefighters are continuing to douse stubborn hot spots, and remove dangerously standing trees.
