KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County commissioners have some frank opinions about the state budget approved by the Republican-controlled state House, led by Speaker Matt Hall of Richland.
The proposal, which still has to be reconciled with the Democratic majority in the Senate and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, cuts state police funding, Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor. It also cuts state revenue sharing to county governments by 30%.
County Vice Chair John Taylor accused Republicans of playing politics.
Chair Jen Strebs urged her colleagues and the public to reach out to Speaker Hall and others in Lansing to oppose the cuts.
County Administrator Kevin Catlin, who is preparing to present his 2026 budget proposal at their next meeting, says he may have some adjustments to make.
If the House budget can’t be reconciled by the end of the month, the state may have to shut down many of its operations. Some state employees have reportedly been issued 30-day notification they may have to be laid off.
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