LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s budget outlook is not as bad as was thought — thanks to federal pandemic relief aid, higher consumer spending and tax payments than expected, and a quicker recovery by the auto industry.
In May, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration and legislative economists projected a combined $6.3 billion shortfall in two main funds over two years.
In a meeting Monday, they revised that hole downward, to $3.4 billion.
That means the situation isn't as dire as previously thought, as the Democratic governor and Republican-led Legislature work to pass a budget.
The shortfall for the coming fiscal year is less than $1 billion.
