Michigan Leaders Clash Over Budget, State Shutdown Looms

A few weeks ago we mentioned that Michigan schools are scrambling to figure out what will happen at the end of September when the state budget expires. There's no way to know how to plan for the upcoming school year without a balanced budget in place.

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The hold up has been state leaders in Lansing unable to agree on spending. And now we could be looking at a state government shutdown because of it.

Michigan’s Budget Deadline Approaches

The Michigan Constitution requires a balanced budget be in place by October 1st. It must be agreed on by the House, the Senate and the Governor. With the Michigan House led by Republicans and the Senate led by Democrats, the two parties can't seem to find common ground.

READ MORE: Michigan Students Face Hunger as Meal Budget Runs Out

If a budget is not agreed upon, the Michigan state government will shut down on October 1st, 2025. This would mark the first time Michigan's government has shut down since 2009.

Divided Leadership in Lansing

While Governor Whitmer has been out of the country working on a trade mission, legislative leaders in Lansing are still split on a plan for spending. The biggest hang up is the dispute over the $3 billion need to fix Michigan's crumbling roads.

The $3 Billion Roadblock

The road funding debate has been the central sticking point for lawmakers. Without a plan to cover the shortfall, budget talks have stalled.

What Happens in a Shutdown?

So what will happen if the state government shuts down? Luckily essential state services like public safety services would continue. But non-essential services like state park operations would come to an abrupt stop.

Lessons From Past Shutdowns

During the last Michigan state government shutdowns in 2007 and 2009, they were resolved in a few hours. But just in case, government officials are already working on a contingency plan.