Michigan prepares for partial Govt. shutdown

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm has begun the process of preparing for a possible partial government shutdown.

The Democratic governor's administration told state employees Wednesday afternoon that they will be temporarily laid off at 12:01 a.m. Thursday unless an interim budget or final budget is in place or they are told to report to work.

Lawmakers are still trying to pass a few budget bills by Wednesday's midnight deadline.

A Granholm spokeswoman said essential services, such as those related to public safety, would continue running if there's a partial shutdown. It's unclear how many of the state's roughly 51,000 workers would be laid off.

Employees who could be laid off were first notified of the possibility a few weeks ago as required by collective bargaining agreements.