As quickly as it was introduced, Republicans in Congress have passed their blueprint for the 2013 fiscal year.

By a vote of 228-191, with no Democrats supporting and ten House Republicans also voting no, the proposal now goes on to the Senate where no resolve is expected until after the November election.

The budget proposal as presented by Congressman Ryan would cut spending by $5.3 trillion over 10 years and set the spending cap for 2013 at $1.028 trillion, some $19 billion less than what was adopted in August. 

While further analysis of the proposal is forthcoming, its safe to say that it includes cuts to programs of interest to locals.  That said, expect nothing but rhetoric on the 2013 budget between now and the election. 

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.