LANSING, MI (AP) -- State workers are bracing for changes that could affect their work practices and their bottom line when Gov. Rick Snyder delivers his first annual State of the State address Wednesday.

The state faces a shortfall of up to $1.8 billion in the budget that starts Oct. 1, and Snyder has made it clear state workers will
share in the sacrifices needed to balance the books.

He hasn't given any specifics so far, but the former accountant and Gateway computer executive is likely to suggest some practices from the private sector, such as higher health care premiums.

United Auto Workers Local 6000 represents 17,000 state workers. Spokesman Ray Homan says union members expect they'll be asked to make "some pretty serious concessions." He says he'll be watching Snyder's speech "very closely."

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