LANSING — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has embarked on a
statewide tour to try and get support for a controversial budget plan calling
for taxing pensions, cutting aid for working poor and lowering business taxes.

Members of his own party, the Republicans, have been
hesitant to adopt his plan to extend income tax to pensions and have discussed
the possibility of raising to 6.75% the corporate income tax while requiring
more businesses to pay. GOP leaders planned to meet with Snyder early next week
to finalize a Senate GOP caucus alternative to Snyder’s plan within two weeks.

A recent speaking engagement in Farmington Hills drew
applause but protesters could be seen outside. Thousands of protesters have
also been gathering at the state Capitol in recent weeks to protest the budget
plans as well.