Michigan Gov. Threatens Partial State Gov't Shutdown

[babylonsister]

Granholm says deal could be near
Negotiators huddle to avert state’s shutdown

September 27, 2007

By CHRIS CHRISTOFF

FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF

LANSING — Gov. Jennifer Granholm prepared an anxious statewide television audience Thursday evening for a partial state government shutdown over the unresolved state budget crisis, even as she said lawmakers were “on the verge” of a settlement.

She chided — but not by name — some Republican leaders for demanding unreasonable cuts to state services.

But she gave no indication she would compromise on her previous position that solving the $1.75-billion deficit can’t include more than $300 million in cuts.

The Senate’s top Republican also went on television and criticized Granholm for using the threat of a shutdown to unduly pressure lawmakers and frighten the public.

“Take the threat of government shutdown off the table,” Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop urged.

Despite measured criticisms of one another, Granholm and Bishop said a budget deal was close with an unofficial midnight deadline hours away.

Worried lawmakers, lobbyists and state workers took some measure of hope that a deal might yet be struck.

more...

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/NEWS06/70927070

[SharonRB]

1. This whole mess is Bishop's fault.

The Michigan Republican legislators are as bad as the ones in DC -- their goal in life is to make life miserable for Jen. They refuse to let anything she wants get through. I wouldn't want to be in her shoes. With a legislature on her side she'd be able to accomplish her goals and we'd be in much better shape.

[Demeter]

2. Michigan GOP Obviously Didn't Attend Class When Gingrich Tried This Stunt

Automatic F for them!

"What happens when your intransigence shuts down the government, class?"

Beuller? Beuller? Anyone?