Gov. Granholm address the state tonight

Granholm plans TV address on budget crisis tonight September 27, 2007 By DAWSON BELL FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU UPDATED AT 2:25 P.M. Gov. Jennifer Granholm plans a five-minute TV and radio address at 6:05 p.m. to discuss the state budget crisis and plans for shutting down parts of state government. “We believe the citizens deserve to hear directly from the governor,” Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said. AdvertisementBoyd declined to say whether the governor will outline any new initiatives to break the logjam over how to address a potential $1.75-billion deficit in the fiscal year that begins at midnight Sunday.In a news release announcing the address, Granholm repeated her opposition to a temporary or continuation budget.She announced Wednesday that only “essential services” will continue if no deal is reached.Budget talks involving Granholm administration officials and lawmakers from both parties were continuing at the Capitol today. But there were no signs a breakthrough was imminent.Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, said Republicans would be preparing a response to Granholm’s statement.The response will be made available to broadcast outlets, as well, and should be ready at the conclusion of Granholm’s remarks, Marsden said.