Snyder Expected To Make Announcement On Budget Deal

TROY (WWJ) - UPDATE: 4 p.m. - CLICK HERE

Michigan may soon be learning more about progress in Lansing concerning Governor Rick Snyder's proposed budget plan.  Amid talks indicating that a deal has been reached, Gov. Snyder's office issued a statement, saying he will make an announcement at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Earlier, Thursday, following a speech before the women's business association Inforum, Snyder did speak with reporters on the topic of state finances. More specifically, the $400 million budget surplus.

"I think we have an opportunity to use some of those funds to mitigate some of the cuts that we had to make in the budget, because those were tough decisions. And if we have some resources available to minimize them or make them less, we're clearly looking to do that," he said.

At the same time, I want to be fiscally responsible for the future, to make sure we're reserving some dollars for rainy day (use) and for future liabilities," Snyder said.

So, where will the money go?

Snyder said with money available, it's expected there will be a lot of people calling dibs.  He said the key is to prioritize.

As far as when the budget will be passed, Snyder said the goal has been to wrap things up by May 31.

"And we're on target to achieve or beat that, which I think is something that we should all be very happy about in the state. It's not done yet, though. What I'd like to do is hopefully have an announcement soon that we have an agreement with the leadership," Snyder said, adding that he'd share more details on that topic, later, in Lansing.

Among those lobbying for a piece of the surplus are advocates for public education and public safety.

Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest.