LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), criticized the GOP-approved budget as impacting the department's ability to "protect the health, safety and prosperity of Michigan families."

The proposed budget, which cuts $4.95 billion from MDHHS, would eliminate more than 1,600 positions, including child protective services workers, food assistance and health benefits specialists, and disease specialists.

House Republicans approved a $78.5 billion budget in August, a stark contrast from the $84.6 billion budget Senate Democrats approved in May. The difference between the two is $6.1 billion.

A line item for Medicaid and behavioral health was slashed by 13% over the current year. A public health line item for the depart

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