Ann Arbor Times

State Representative Jason Woolford, a Republican from Howell, criticized Senate Democrats for adjourning early during Michigan's statutory budget deadline. He accused them of neglecting their duties and abandoning budget negotiations.

In his statement, Woolford expressed frustration with the Democrat-led Senate's actions: "What we saw out of the Democrat-led Senate today was nothing short of an abdication of duty. They let down the people they were supposed to represent, giving up on negotiation talks over the budget while the Michigan House stayed well into the evening trying to get a deal done."

Woolford emphasized that House Republican leadership had been attempting to engage Senate Democrats in discussions for weeks to prevent a government shutdown. He stated, "Their refusal to work with us is incredibly disappointing. While we passed a commonsense, fiscally responsible budget plan with record amounts of per-pupil funding across the state, they repeatedly sabotaged our efforts on behalf of Michigan families and Michigan kids."

He also highlighted that even under difficult personal circumstances, such as the death of a family member within their caucus, House Republicans remained committed to their legislative responsibilities: "This culminated in them walking out of their jobs when their constituencies needed them most. The father of one of the members of our caucus died today, and even he still remained in Lansing to dutifully represent his district."

Woolford concluded by affirming that House Republicans would continue working towards finalizing a budget plan: "House Republicans will continue to do our job and get a budget plan across the finish line in time to avoid a government shutdown, but if we are successful, it will only be in spite of Senate Democrats, not because of their help."