Rep. Michael Webber today said the Legislature and Gov. Whitmer must continue to work together to resolve differences to adopt a state budget before the Oct. 1 constitutional deadline.

“I’m not interested in playing the blame game,” said Webber, of Rochester Hills. “I’m interested in working together to get the job done. There’s too much at stake to delay any longer. Our schools, universities, public health agencies, local governments, police and fire departments – all of these and more are depending on the state to finalize a new budget. They need clarity so they can plan their own finances and serve their communities.”

The House and Senate both passed budgets back in June that provided an alternative to the governor’s proposed budget. Webber supported a House-approved proposal that would provide record funding for road repairs and schools without tax increases. Work has continued throughout the summer to reconcile differences between the three budget proposals.

Every school district in Michigan would see an increase in per-pupil funding under separate proposals endorsed by the governor, House and Senate – but a consensus plan must be approved for schools to realize a funding increase.

“Schools are already back in session with no resolution on how much financial support they will receive from the state this academic year,” Webber said. “We owe it to students and their families to make good, final decisions on the next state budget.”

Work continues this month to adopt a balanced budget that funds our priorities. Webber says that he is “confident and optimistic” that a plan will pass before the deadline.

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