The state House could approve its budget priorities as soon as this week. Democrats held events on Monday to criticize one item that would fund a controversial deal allowing the state Senate to move its offices to an upscale building next to the Capitol in downtown Lansing.
The move is projected to cost taxpayers up to $134 million dollars over about 30 years. The state has already sold almost $70 million in bonds to cover initial costs for the project.
“There is no justification in this economic environment to spend $134 million on lavish Senate offices,”
said state House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel at a press conference in Southfield.
“It’s outrageous to every student struggling in subpar classrooms. And it’s outrageous to everyone concerned about building a stronger middle class in Michigan.”
Democrats also charge the deal was struck to benefit a Lansing developer who has contributed generously to political candidates – most of whom are Republican. Supporters of the move say the current Senate office building is outdated and has safety issues. The Senate estimated it would cost $26 million dollars to renovate the current building.
The state House and Senate will likely approve separate budget proposals in the coming weeks. They will then likely hammer out differences in the proposals in conference committees. Republican legislative leaders have made it a priority in recent years to approve a state budget by early June.
