LANSING, Michigan — More than one million people in Michigan have filed for unemployment benefits.
The businesses they work for have either reduced their operations, or shut down completely. This is going to leave a big revenue hole for the state come budget time.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer talked to 13 ON YOUR SIDE about that eventual shortfall, and how she plans to deal with it.
"Of course we know this has been a huge economic strain for individuals, businesses and the state, too," Whitmer said. "We know we are going to have to make some tough decisions. We've been looking at it very closely. I applaud leaders who've been honest saying it's not going to be easy. It's going to be painful. We're going to be very responsible.
"I can tell you I've already taken actions to slow spending in state government, to stop hiring in state government, to analyze where we might be able to tighten our belts, and that's something that's underway as well."
Whitmer also mentioned number of other issues, including the unemployment website and speculation that former Vice President Joe Biden may pick her as a running mate.
You can watch the full interview here:
RELATED STORIES on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
- 7 Midwest states to partner on reopening the economy
- 'We know that this rally endangered people,' Whitmer responds to Lansing protest
- Whitmer thanks Amway, DeVos family for PPE donations
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer facing lawsuit over stay at home order
- Whitmer responds to VP talk: 'My sole focus is being the best governor that I can be'
RELATED VIDEO:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.