Employees, Local Governments May Share Budget Pain

Michigan lawmakers scrambling to erase an expected $1.8 billion state budget deficit may target state employee compensation and funding sent to local governments.

Incoming Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger and incoming Republican Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said Thursday that state employees likely will be asked to make concessions and local governments will face cuts in revenue sharing funds often used for police and fire protection.

Both made remarks during a taping of Michigan public television's "Off the Record'' program.

Incoming Democratic leaders Gretchen Whitmer of the Senate and Richard Hammel of the House also were on the program that will air this weekend.

Republicans have large majorities in the House and Senate.

The fiscal year starts Oct. 1. 
   
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