© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Utah budget chief joins Snyder team

WKAR-MSU Photo

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-937321.mp3

LANSING, MI –
Governor-elect Rick Snyder has turned to the budget chief of Utah to head up his budget team. We have more from Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta.

AUDIO:
John Nixon has been the director of the Utah's Office of Budget and Planning since 2006. He's credited with helping to craft a state budget for Utah that dealt with a revenue crash this year without raising taxes, and coming up with a plan to stabilize school funding after Utah's federal stimulus money for education dries up.

Nixon also developed a scorecard that measures the effectiveness and efficiency of state government agencies. And he implemented a four-day work week or state employees as a cost-saving measure. Governor-elect Rick Snyder said in written statement that Nixon brings the skills, experience, and innovative thinking he's looking for in a budget chief.

Nixon is stepping into a much bigger job. Michigan's budget is four times the size of Utah's, and is facing a budget shortfall in the coming year of at least one and a half billion dollars.

Local journalism matters—and it’s at risk.


WKAR brings you trusted news, without barriers—no paywalls, no corporate spin. But now, federal funding that helps make it all possible is on the chopping block. Your support is more important than ever. Stand up for independent journalism in mid-Michigan—make your gift today.