Kahn: Office will be available during shutdown

Friday, September 28, 2007

LANSING - State Senator Roger Kahn announced Friday that if a looming government shutdown should take effect on Monday, October 1st, his office will remain open.

"I'm working every day to prevent a shutdown, but if we are left with no choice but to close our office in Lansing, my staff has offered to continue serving residents of Saginaw and Gratiot Counties on state issues," said Kahn, R-Saginaw Township.

Further details will be released over the weekend if no agreement is reached. Kahn noted that his staff will be working locally with reduced hours on a volunteer basis.

"Our ability to assist with some matters will be greatly diminished, but to the extent we can help we will be available," Kahn stated.

Negotiations have stalled between Governor Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature on how to resolve a $1.75 billion budget deficit. While the governor has argued for a variety of tax increases, including an income tax increase of nearly 25 percent, the Michigan Senate has passed various reform measures and spending reductions. Talks continue on an hourly basis, with the Senate scheduled to meet through the weekend.

"I want people to know that I am doing all I can to solve this budget crisis without a devastating tax increase on mid-Michigan families. As bad as the prospect of a shutdown is, putting a greater burden on our people when they're struggling is bad too. The governor needs to come back to the table, and soon," Kahn said.