Governor Rick Snyder says he’s keeping a close eye on the “budget cliff” discussions in Washington and how they might affect Michigan.
Governor Snyder says the state’s finances are already tight, and he’s concerned about the possibility of spending cuts from the federal government.
“There’s a real issue with the fiscal cliff out of Washington as to what could happen and what they could cut at the state level that could create some severe stress,” says Snyder.
The automatic spending cuts could affect funding for early childhood programs, nutrition assistance, roads and transportation, and jobless benefits. The cuts and tax hikes could also affect the state’s economic recovery going into the new year.
The governor outlines his plans for 2013 when he delivers his State of the State address in mid-January and when he presents his budget proposal in February.