Friday, November 2, 2007

Michigan Businesses Worried A Government Shutdown Could Shut Them Down



Michigan Businesses Worried A Government Shutdown Could Shut Them Down.
(WSBT) Michigan lawmakers worked late into the night Thursday trying to find an agreement to close a $1.75 billion budget deficit and prevent a government shutdown. Leaders have been debating an emergency budget that would keep the government running. Both sides remain optimistic, but they are still far apart on key issues including whether to approve the emergency budget.Members have been waiting for most of the day for any sort of agreement from state leaders. The governor and House Democrats remain opposed to an emergency budget that does not include any tax increases.Republicans say an emergency budget is necessary so legislators can keep talking without shutting down government.Meanwhile, business owners across the state were working on emergency plans, worried the looming shut down might shut them down.Business has been brisk this week at Lunker"s Bait Shop in Edwardsburg-- after all-- bow hunting season is now just 3 days away, and salmon fishing licenses are also going fast.But manager Randy Jesensky is worried.'This will be impossible to do 3 days from now if the government shuts down,' he said, pointing to a stack of hunting licenses fresh off the printer.