LANSING (AP) -- Michigan lawmakers are returning to the Capitol with deadlines approaching to balance the state's budget.

The state Senate was in session Tuesday, and the state House returns Wednesday. Budgets are supposed to be finalized before Oct. 1.

Michigan lawmakers have missed budget deadlines in two of the past three years.

Lawmakers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm are trying to erase a general fund deficit of $302 million this fiscal year and a shortfall of $484 million for the budget year that begins Oct. 1.

Michigan's public schools should be safe from further budget cuts, but state departments will be asked to trim spending.

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