By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-919378.mp3
LANSING, MI –
State lawmakers are beginning to examine Governor Granholm's newest proposal to resolve a budget crisis. As Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports, the goal is to wrap up work on the current emergency and the new budget before the new fiscal year begins in six weeks.
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The governor and lawmakers say they are anxious to avoid the bickering that dragged negotiations past the deadline in two of the past three years. The governor's plan includes a tax amnesty, tapping the School Aid Fund for community colleges, and selling special late-hour liquor licenses to bars.
But many Democrats oppose part of the plan that would encourage veteran state workers to retire, and roll back health and retirement benefits for remaining employees.
State Representative Fred Miller says a similar retirement and benefits package aimed at teachers is being challenged in court. He says state employees could do the same.
"I would be real hesitant about jamming anything down their throats," he says.
The benefits rollback would save taxpayers about $90 million. The state is facing budget shortfalls totaling nearly $800 million.