Michigan budget negotiations continue on July 1 deadline

Michigan lawmakers returned to Lansing for a last-minute push to finish the 2026–27 budget before the July 1 deadline, but negotiations between the Republican-controlled House, the Democrat-controlled Senate, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration yielded no deal Wednesday morning. House Republicans, pressing for transparency, say a framework they outlined last week avoids tax increases, preserves the rainy-day fund, and shrinks spending from last year. The House passed a $75.8 billion plan in April; Whitmer and Senate Democrats back $88.1 billion with record K-12 spending. Missing deadlines carries no penalties but leaves uncertainty for schools and state agencies.