By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-862385.mp3
LANSING, MI – The state Senate started voting on budgets Thursday night. But beyond that, not much forward progress was seen in budget negotiations at the state Capitol.
AUDIO:
Political differences and party lines were drawn as House and Senate conference committees dealing with Medicaid and local government revenue sharing made little or no movement toward an agreement.
House Speaker Andy Dillon.
"We've got a shortage for revenue sharing - we think the cuts are too deep and we haven't found a way to close that gap yet," Dillon says.
It was that apparent stalemate that brought session to a close earlier than expected yesterday evening. The state House has made tentative plans to meet through the weekend. But it's not clear how quickly budget negotiations will proceed.