Overview

• After the fiscal year began without a finalized budget, lawmakers approved an eight-day continuation bill funding $1.56 billion, including $272.3 million from the General Fund, to carry the state through Oct. 8.
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told state employees that operations and pay would continue, and legislative leaders said a full budget framework is agreed to and undergoing drafting and legal review.
• Votes on the completed budget could come as early as Thursday, with both chambers working from the Sept. 25 bipartisan framework announced by Whitmer, House Speaker Matt Hall and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks.
• A proposed 24% wholesale marijuana tax to boost road funding remains a sticking point as cannabis businesses protest the plan and counties question distribution formulas.
• Educators and advocates pressed lawmakers to safeguard school meals, special education and mental-health funding, with some districts warning of immediate meal program disruptions until the school aid budget is finalized.