LASNING (WWJ) -- It appears Michigan's government will continue to operate, at least for the time being, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders continue to hammer out the details of a new state budget.
WWJ Newsradio 950 has learned that state employees received an email from Whitmer Tuesday afternoon, stating that the state government will remain open Oct. 1, and stay open as they finalize the budget over the next few days.
The shutdown was supposed to happen at midnight on Tuesday if a deal was not reached. That's when current funding runs out.
This comes after Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, and Speaker of the House Matt Hall announced last Thursday night that an agreement on the School Aid budget and state budget has been reached, and that includes additional nearly $2 billion per year to fix local and state roads.
Whitmer's office said the agreement ensures "top priorities" for both Democrats and Republicans are included in the bipartisan budget, which will lower Michiganders’ costs, reduce waste and increase government efficiency, and help Michiganders thrive.
"Amid so much national economic uncertainty, I am proud that we are taking action to lower costs, cut taxes for seniors and working families, create jobs, fund schools, fix roads, keep people safe and healthy, and so much more," Whitmer said, in a statement provided on Sept. 25.
Tuesday's email came as state employees were waiting with baited breath to learn if they would continue to get paid as expected, or possibly be furloughed.
The governor did not immediately release any new details about the budget deal, nor the ongoing negotiations, on Tuesday.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates.