LANSING, Mich. — A divided Michigan Senate has approved a temporary budget to make sure state government won’t shut down if lawmakers can’t agree on a permanent spending plan.
But the one-month budget extension is based on cuts opposed by Democrats.
Two interim budget bills passed Friday by Senate Republicans can’t be voted on by the Democratic-led House until one day before the Oct. 1 deadline under legislative rules.
There is a $2.8 billion deficit in the next budget year.
Budget progress has slowed because legislators disagree over proposed spending cuts and tax increases.
After the Senate adjourns Friday, it will return to session Sunday. Democrats chided Republicans for attending a GOP conference on Mackinac Island this weekend. The GOP said Democrats haven’t passed their own budget proposal.