Michigan budget crunch doesn't affect everyone

"Thought you would be interested in the following: Dan Mulhern, the governor's husband, who has an office in the (Romney Building), paid for by Michigan taxpayers, is having his office remodeled. New carpet, paint ... all new everything!

"And just last weekend the state brought in workers, on overtime, to rip out all of the old (carpet) from his office ...

"What are they thinking when this state is in such a financial mess?"

An administration spokesperson confirmed the construction calling it "routine" and dismissing the whole matter by saying it cost less than $5,000. The state journal writer was provided an email response, that said in part:

"The First Gentleman does not have an office budget, per se. At this time he has one staff person, who is actually a member of the governor's executive office staff, who is assigned to assist Dan in the work he's doing on behalf of the administration."

Boyd acknowledged that Mulhern has had two staff people assigned to him in the past. One of those jobs is vacant, and will not be filled.

Mulhern's current assistant earns $46,000, plus standard state-employee benefits

To their credit, Michigan Senate Republicans have just produced a plan to cut state spending by measures such as reducing state employee pay, increasing their share of their health insurance and reducing the number of state agencies. Perhaps they get it.

Bill Weckesser