LANSING (AP) -- Updated 7pm:
Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a bill giving broad new powers to emergency financial managers appointed by the state of Michigan to run struggling cities and schools, including the ability to terminate union contracts.
The Republican governor signed the bill Wednesday, the same day that thousands of union protesters rallied inside and outside the Capitol to protest the bill and others they say are anti-union.
Snyder says the six bills he signed will let the state offer assistance earlier when local governments are in financial distress, instead of waiting until they're on the brink of bankruptcy and give financial managers better tools.
Many Democrats and labor unions say it's a state power grab that could set up virtual dictatorships and strip power from local
elected officials.
Dozens of people loaded buses across Northern Michigan early Wednesday morning to take part in protests in Lansing.
Many of the people 7 & 4 News spoke with loading a bus outside Traverse City said they are protesting budget cuts proposed by Governor Snyder.
Protests are expected to continue at Michigan's state Capitol over a variety of proposals that could affect union bargaining power and the state budget plan offered by the Republican governor.
Union members are among those expected to rally Wednesday at the Capitol.
The rally is expected to be bigger than one Tuesday that drew more than 1,000 people, mostly concerned about a plan to tax pensions.
Most of Wednesday's activities are planned for the afternoon. Speakers are expected from multiple groups including the United Auto Workers and teachers unions.
Protesters are concerned about bills that give emergency financial managers the power to terminate labor contracts, proposed cuts to education funding and tax policy changes.
Snyder says his budget proposals are aimed at putting the state on solid financial footing.
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