New and veteran Michigan lawmakers are at the state Capitol for swearing-in ceremonies. The 2011-12 Legislature is assembling for the first time today. Individual lawmakers are taking the oath of office. The majority of lawmakers will be new to their jobs in both the Senate and the House. The turnover is caused partly by the state's term limits law and a strong showing by Republicans in last year's elections. Republicans built on their advantage in the Senate and grabbed control of House from Democrats. The state's budget problems are likely to preoccupy lawmakers for months. There's a projected $1.8 billion budget shortfall for the fiscal year that starts in October. State fiscal analysts are scheduled to make an official estimate of state tax revenues at a conference on Friday.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
