Nov 17, 4:11 PM EST

Seminar explores reforming Michigan budget, taxes

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- They didn't agree on how to fix Michigan's ongoing budget troubles, but a panel of leaders from business groups and organizations representing teachers, cities and the poor agreed they can't wait until next fall to fix the problem.

The four-hour discussion sponsored by The Center for Michigan took place Tuesday morning at the Eagle Eye Golf Club in East Lansing.

Falling revenues and growing tax breaks have left Michigan with a shortfall of at least $1 billion next year after a $2.8 billion deficit this year.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm and legislative leaders are gridlocked over how best to deal with Michigan's ongoing fiscal difficulties.

The consensus reached Tuesday was that leaders need to move beyond gridlock soon to change how Michigan runs.

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