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Coverage from across Michigan and the state Capitol with the Michigan Public Radio Network and Interlochen Public Radio.

We’ve Got Issues: State lawmakers in budget standoff over sinkhole money

Northern Michigan Republicans retain their seats after some significant challenges. PHOTO: Paul Martinez (Flickr)
Paul Maritinez
Northern Michigan Republicans retain their seats after some significant challenges. PHOTO: Paul Martinez (Flickr)

State lawmakers return to Lansing this week and to a budget standoff. The House and Senate left Lansing at the end of March without an agreement on how to help an area in metro Detroit where a giant sinkhole opened up last December.

Lawmakers have debated whether to send Macomb County a $3 million grant or a $5 million loan to assist the city of Fraser. The House has favored a grant, while Senate leaders have pushed for a loan instead. 

The conflict has also tied up $100 million in federal money that is meant to pay for water infrastructure in Flint. The state legislature needs to sign off on that money in a supplemental budget bill.

Rick Pluta, capitol bureau chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network, talked about the impasse Monday morning: