The Michigan legislature has been in budget negotiations for some time now. Frantic all nighters. Backbiting and squabbling. And that's just at my house.
You should see it down in Lansing.
Here's an email sent to state employees this afternoon:
Dear Colleague:
In a letter or through a posting dated September 15, 2009, you were provided notice that in the event there is no approved spending plan for state government in place on October 1 you would be temporarily laid off.
Because the Michigan Legislature has failed as of 2 p.m. today to meet its constitutional responsibility to enact a balanced budget for the fiscal year that begins October 1, 2009, that notice remains in effect. Unless you are instructed otherwise by your chain of command, you are temporarily laid off effective 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2009, until a spending plan is in place or you are otherwise notified.
A bill authorizing the continued expenditure of state funds has been approved by both the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate but has not been given immediate effect by the Senate. If and when the Senate gives immediate effect to this continuation budget and the bill is signed into law by the governor, the Executive Office will notify news organizations and post a notice on www.michigan.gov. You are directed to monitor those reports for updated information, because in the event of action by the Michigan Senate or other action to authorize expenditures for Fiscal Year 2010, you will be expected to report to work for the balance of your shift or for your next scheduled shift as appropriate.
I know these have been difficult times for you and all of us who serve the public in state government. We appreciate your patience and continued service to the citizens of Michigan.
Sincerely
So if you have anything to file, record, pay to or receive from the State of Michigan, you might want to get on that asap.