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Printer-Friendly ModeGovernment faces shutdown
Legislative gridlock forces cessation of many operations
October 1, 2007 —
Although lawmakers made significant progress early Sunday morning, as of press time, a shutdown of statewide government services appeared imminent.
Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, a committee approved a bill that supporters say will lead to savings in the cost of teacher health insurance.
Shortly after that, the House passed a bill that would require schools within an immediate district use a common calendar - a plan which, according to The Detroit Free Press, should allow districts to consolidate services, such as busing - and a bill that would prohibit state employees to receive a pension while receiving a salary.
Progress in the legislature slowed, however, when the Senate refused to approve the committee report on the teacher's health care issue. The deal would raise the state income tax 4.35 percent.
Around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, the House passed the bill proposing to raise the state income tax to 4.35 percent, but as the Vanguard goes to press, the Senate has yet to approve the measure.
Some government services that will halt if the shutdown goes into effect include most Secretary of State branch offices, Department of Agriculture activities, except livestock vehicle Mackinac Bridge, all department of Civil Rights activities, and all Department of Education operations, except for the Michigan School for the Deaf, will also be closed during the shutdown.
Governor Jennifer Granholm said Friday that in the event of a shutdown, she remains committed to protecting the health and safety of Michigan residents.
The Michigan State Police will continue to function. However, several administrative and specialized operations will be cut down, resulting in drug and criminal investigations and criminal crime lab services to cease.
The Department of Corrections functions will also continue as needed. The state's prisons will continue to operate at a reduced staffing level.