Shut down is 17 hours away...the morning report

As has been reported in major newspapers online this morning, we are still at an impasse on two major issues, tax increases and school employee insurance reform. A little background.

Last night around 10:30 or so, the Governor, the Lt. Governor, her chief of staff, her press spokesperson, I think the state Treasurer, and or the Budget Director all filed into the Dem caucus room for a meeting (rally?). They were in there for an hour. Speculation was she was laying out the plan for the deal to save the state.

Reporters waited in breathless anticipation out in the House Chamber. Finally, at 11:30, she emerged. She walked right past the reporters and out of the room without a word. It is now 9:30 a.m. and nothing has happened except a few reforms we did at 3 a.m.

In my opinion, the Dems do not have the votes to raise taxes to 4.35%, ($750 million) impose a tax on services at 6% ($600 million) nor do they have the votes for MESSA reform. What is that, you ask? Read the attached Detroit News story. They explain it rather well.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/UPDATE/709300366