State officials say department budgets must be protected in state spending plan

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The Michigan House and Senate are still negotiating to reconcile their versions of the state budget, but the lack of action has pushed some state officials to speak out about proposed cuts to their budget.

On Monday, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson voiced her concerns over proposed cuts to her office in the House version of the state budget.

“If this budget were to pass, we’d be forced to lay off more than 400 employees, a quarter of our department’s entire staff,” the statement read.

Benson added the loss of employees would impact both her consumer protection divisions and election staff.

“What would that mean for Michiganders? A return to hours-long wait times and fewer convenient service options in branch offices. Less oversight of auto repair shops and dri