Politics & Government

Capitol Connection

From our State Capitol in Lansing to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, WKAR is committed to explaining how the actions of lawmakers are affecting Michiganders. Political and government reporter Abigail Censky leads this section. There are also stories from Capitol correspondents Cheyna Roth, Rick Pluta and the Associated Press. As the 2020 presidential race begins, look here for reports on the role Michigan will play in electing or re-electing the president.

Michigan Senate OKs $58 Billion Budget At Odds With Gov. Whitmer

WKAR Public Media | By Associated Press

Published May 15, 2019 at 7:04 PM EDT

The Republican-led Michigan Senate has passed a $58 billion budget plan that is at odds with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposal, primarily over road and education funding.

The legislation approved Wednesday is another step in the process as lawmakers and Whitmer work to enact a spending plan for the next fiscal year.

Senate Republicans and Democrats were in agreement on many bills, but diverged on big sticking points such as spending billions more on roads and how to divvy up funding for K-12 schools.

The Republican-led Legislature has not embraced Whitmer's proposed 45-cents-a-gallon fuel tax hike, and budget talks could extend into the summer months.

The House could vote on its budget plan in coming weeks.