Democrats wait for details on planned merger of 2 agencies

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Democrats in Michigan's Legislature are waiting to hear more details about Gov. Rick Snyder's plan to merge two large social services agencies in an effort to better help those on welfare and other government assistance programs.

Democrats say the concept included in Tuesday night's State of the State speech may make sense on the surface, but the "devil's in the details."

House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (GRYM'-uhl) said in the short term, there may be budgetary costs associated with a merger at a time Michigan faces a $289 million shortfall in the current budget.

Democrats say they're focused on expanding early childhood education, making college affordable and making skilled trades training more accessible. They also want to fully restore a tax credit for homeowners and reinstate tax breaks for retirees.