The Michigan House passed a state budget, moving negotiations forward to avert a government shutdown as Oct. 1 looms.

Education funding remains uncertain as school districts started their fiscal year on July 1 without confirmed state funding levels.

House Speaker Hall highlighted a $5 billion target for waste, fraud, and abuse reductions and framed budget changes as prioritizing roads, public safety, and education.

The current budget proposal totals $54.63 billion for state departments, including $12.09 billion for the General Fund.

Royal Oak Schools warned that failing to pass a budget by Sept. 30 could end free lunch for all students.

Negotiations remain ongoing with high stakes as the Oct. 1 deadline approaches.

Governor Whitmer met with House Speaker Hall and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks to discuss the stalemate, with plans for continued communication over the next month.

Historically, September budget approvals are rare for Michigan, with the last parallel occurrence in 2021; a previous shutdown in 2007 lasted about four hours.