Whitmer Signs One-Week Stopgap; Budget Framework Revealed

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a short-term continuing budget after lawmakers missed an Oct. 1 deadline, keeping Michigan’s government funded through Oct. 8 while legislators finalize the full 2026 spending plan. Lawmakers say they have a budget framework and will release line-by-line details in Thursday committee sessions, with floor votes expected later in the week after bill drafting and legal review. Early provisions disclosed include record per-pupil school funding of $10,050, continued universal free breakfasts and lunches with a $200 million subsidy, $1.5 billion for roads, tax exemptions for tips/overtime/Social Security, and a proposed 26% wholesale marijuana tax to help fund roads. House Republicans say the compromise is closer to their $78.5 billion proposal, while leaders describe it as blending priorities from both chambers. Local officials and cannabis business owners warned the deal could cut municipal revenue-sharing and harm the cannabis industry. Officials emphasized that state services and employee pay are protected during the extension as lawmakers finish drafting and voting on the permanent 2026 budget.