Widespread effects from a state shutdown

LANSING (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Negotiations continue at a snail's pace in Lansing.

Lawmakers have just hours left to find a solution to the state's budget crisis. We're getting close to a government shut down.

Lawmakers have just five days to get a new budget in place, but the government may have to make plans as soon as Friday.

If the shutdown comes, your essential services will be running. At least that's what the governor's office is saying. Anything that protects the public will keep going.

But other things like lotto tickets and liquor will go.

Secretary of State branches are just one of the many state services you may be without if Monday comes without a budget. That's why the Secretary of State is urging you to take care of any business now.

The state regulates liquor sales as well and once inventories are sold, customers won't be able to buy any more. Beer and wine won't be impacted.

As for the lotto, that's run by the state also and sales of lotto tickets would stop.

The governor says the shutdown would start next Monday.

A whole host of things would be closed in the shutdown, including state licensed gaming, which is run by the Michigan Gambling Control Board. Indian run casinos like the new Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo would not be impacted since they are sovereign and regulated by the federal government.

State parks and welcome centers would close.

The government could stop on Monday, but the governor's criticism of state lawmakers has not as she once again cited their inability to get a budget done. She urged them to come to a solution by October first.

Lawmakers have another option to avoid a shutdown.

That would be to adopt a continuation budget that would give lawmakers another 30 days to figure something out.

The Senate has already passed a continuation budget, but the governor says that just delays the tough choices that lawmakers must make.

No matter what kind of budget deal lawmakers finally settle on students want to make sure funding for higher education is preserved.

Republicans call the continuation budget the only solution. Democrats say it's procrastination.

But college students provided a different view Wednesday afternoon of what this budget delay has meant.

Some students weren't in class Wednesday afternoon but at the state capitol.

"If they decide to cut this funding, it'll be more tuition increases in the future," said one student.

These WMU students rallied within earshot of lawmakers. They're trying to get 160 million dollars in statewide funding restored.

"It is this state's future," said another.

They're hoping those inside can avoid a state shutdown.

"Honestly, a state shutdown would be the worst thing that could happen," said a third student.

Inside lawmakers were no closer to compromise.

House republicans say a continuation budget and 30 more days is better than shutdown.

WMU is just one state university where the fiscal year begins in July. The school's budget started two months ago and yet WMU has no idea how much state money is coming.