LANSING -- Michigan lawmakers are talking about a budget bill that some say would cut senior programs and public safety.
The $33 billion budget bill covers state spending for everything but education.
House members were deeply divided Wednesday on the measure, which closes prisons, drops 12,600 families from welfare and cuts senior services.
Majority Republicans say the budget puts Michigan on sound financial funding without using one-time fixes.
The budget largely reflects Governor Snyder's proposed plan to slash business taxes and close a $1.4 billion shortfall.
Governor Snyder says this would be done by raising taxes on individuals, cutting spending, and requiring concessions from state workers.
Minority Democrats say the budget wrongly cuts money for senior programs such as Meals on Wheels.
Democrats say it could lead to prison overcrowding and would force communities to lay off police and firefighters.
The bill doesn't include spending for public schools, community colleges, or state universities.
What do you think about the bill?
