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As I told you yesterday, the House has begun voting on some of the 15 department budgets that make up the overall state budget. The Higher Education and K-12 budgets were passed in conference committee, and await action in full chamber of the House and Senate. The cuts to each budget raise grave concerns about our state's commitment to access to quality and affordable education. In order to reach budget targets in higher education, the Michigan Promise scholarship program was eliminated. In addition to the use of federal stimulus dollars, the K-12 cuts included just over $200 per pupil in each local district.

However, conference committee members have spent the day discussing and negotiating solutions to their respective budgets. Meanwhile, leaders from the House and Senate continue to work on timelines, and how their budget targets fit together.

There is definite concern on both sides of the aisle that the kind of cuts necessary to balance the budget will dramatically impact many programs and communities. Most townships and cities stand to take a hit on the money that funds basic services. Meanwhile, school districts have programs up and running this school year, with significant dollars committed to them. The deficit has ballooned so much this year that the biggest programs must be considered for cuts.

Both chambers have committed their efforts to working into the evenings and throughout the weekend, if necessary. Contingency plans have been put in place, while the sense of urgency continues to mount. We expect conference committees to send some more budget compromises to each chamber for a vote in the next few days.

I will try to provide more specific information as it becomes available.