As the Sept. 30 state budget deadline approaches, many people and organizations are calling on Michigan's legislators and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to work together to finalize a state budget. The West Michigan Policy Forum advocates for this same type of bipartisanship with one important caveat ― come together without resorting to quick fixes like tax increases, increasing debt or other gimmicks.

No one wants a government shutdown. But rushing a budget just to meet an arbitrary date, especially one that causes long-term burdens on taxpayers, does more harm than good. The current debate isn’t simply about “finishing” a budget. It’s about “fixing” one. Getting it done right means keeping the retirement promises made to teachers, state troopers and state employees, plus fixing the roads ― witho

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