The slow roll toward a partial state government shutdown continues in Lansing. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Republican leaders aren’t talking.
Both sides say the other side is at fault.
Different day. Same plotline.
Republicans say they won’t vote for the governor’s proposed gas tax increase. And they will start sending her budget bills this week with or without a deal.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says he’s ready to negotiate until the last moment, but it’s up to Governor Whitmer to call the meeting.
“There’s only person in this state that will execute and cause a shutdown, and it’s her.”
Republicans say any discussions about fuel taxes should wait until after a new budget is adopted. But once that happens, the governor loses bargaining leverage.