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GOP leaders set spending targets without Snyder amid pension impasse

Lawmakers in Lansing may have to cut revenue sharing with local governments to fill the $1.8 billion budget hole.

Lawmakers are ramping up work on the state budget after cutting Gov. Rick Snyder out of talks.

Republican leaders over the weekend set "target" spending levels - a key step needed before the House and Senate this week can start ironing out differences in a $55 billion spending plan. The leaders proceeded despite an impasse with the Republican governor over closing the pension system to newly-hired school employees.

Their plan would spend $475 million less than Snyder proposed. It would use the money to pay transition costs to make new teachers eligible for a 401(k) only, and not a hybrid pension/401(k) plan. Snyder opposes the switch.

Legislators have been aiming to finalize the budget by early June, although the current fiscal year doesn't end until September 30. The House approved a $55.8 billion budget proposal in early May.

The last time top lawmakers signed a target agreement without a governor was 2009, when Democrat Jennifer Granholm was in office.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
Emma is a communications specialist with the digital team at Michigan Radio. She works across all departments at Michigan Radio, with a hand in everything from digital marketing and fundraising to graphic design and website maintenance. She also produces the station's daily newsletter, The Michigan Radio Beat.
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