Budget Cuts May Hurt Human Service Programs

The legislature is back in session in Lansing working on balancing the budget.

To avoid a partial shutdown of state government, lawmakers have to find a way to fill a $2.8 billion budget deficit by midnight tomorrow night.

Many state departments are worried about seeing important programs cut.

The Michigan Department of Human Services is hoping they don’t see cuts to early childhood programs, daycare or cash assistance.

DHS Director Ismael Ahmed says all those things are at risk of being slashed.

The Department of Human Services could also see employee layoffs.

That would make it harder to deliver services, especially since Ahmed says this is the greatest level of need the agency has ever seen.

With the tough economy, many middle-class Michiganders have had to apply for public assistance for the first time.