Capitol News

State Representative Joseph Pavlov voted in favor of legislation this week to prevent a shutdown of Michigan’s state government. The action came after the state’s fiscal year ended on October 1 without a new budget fully approved, as the Senate did not secure enough votes to pass the budget deal in time.

Pavlov supported House Bill 4161, which provides funding for an additional week while lawmakers finalize the state budget. He said, “We are finalizing a very good plan for the new state budget, but it isn’t done yet. We simply cannot let this delay create problems for the people who rely on us. From Medicaid patients to people trying to update their drivers licenses, a state shutdown could hurt a lot of people in our community. I voted to keep our schools open and our government on the job.”

A final version of the state budget was passed by lawmakers on October 3 but still awaits the governor’s signature. With HB 4161 now enacted, essential services will continue uninterrupted until the full budget is officially signed into law.