If you've been watching, you've likely noticed that the Senate is refusing to move on revenues. Essentially Mike Bishop is trying to force the House to go first.
Today the Senate Democrats introduced legislation that gives the Senate another option.
"Today I introduced a package of bills that will help us solve this budget crisis in a swift and responsible manner," said Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor), lead sponsor of the legislation. "These bills allow us to come together in the Senate to enact a long-term, comprehensive fix that will protect critical services and allow us to invest in our people. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to move forward and meet our responsibilities to the people of Michigan."
The bills make a number of technical changes to the income, sales, and use tax acts and can be amended to provide needed revenue for critical state services. Senate Republicans have argued that the House must act first on a revenue solution, but these bills provide additional options.
Senator John Gleason (D-Flushing) is a co-sponsor, and Senator Mickey Switalski (D-Roseville) is on record as supporting the bill. Senator Switalski is the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
