Michigan Lawmakers Consider Extra Session Days as Budget Deadline Looms

With less than a week left in the current fiscal year, new signs of optimism have emerged around reaching a budget deal. High-level talks between the Legislature and the Governor are ongoing, but a framework appears to be taking shape that would include not only a Fiscal Year 2026 budget but also a comprehensive road funding deal. If progress continues, legislative action on a deal could begin as early as today. However, sticking points remain, and there is a relatively limited window of time remaining. Certain procedural things to pass a budget and get it signed take time, and it will be difficult in the remaining few days to get something done. It’s still possible, but things need to stay on a very narrow track over the course of the next week.

To that end, both legislative chambers are considering adding session days on Friday, Sept. 26, and Monday, Sept. 29. The Senate also has a “continuation budget” in reserve. The House passed this budget in March, and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks recently did not rule out consideration of the package. This could give the Legislature and the Governor a little more time to flesh out any remaining details. Things remain fluid, but things are looking more positive than last week.