LANSING, Mich. -- Thousands of Michigan teachers, public employees and others staged a protest at the state Capitol Wednesday.
Protests last month were sparked by the Republican governor's efforts to give sweeping new powers to emergency financial managers and tax most retirement income. Snyder agreed Tuesday not to tax seniors over age 66, but protesters say he's still forcing residents to pay for business tax cuts.
Unions are upset about proposals they say would undermine collective bargaining rights. Other groups are upset about proposed cuts to education funding and other programs.
IMAGES: Thousands Gather In Lansing To Protest Proposed Budget
Snyder has said the protests are part of the democratic process.
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RAW VIDEO: Protesters Gather In Lansing Watch:
Unions Rally In Lansing In Opposition Of Snyder's Budget CutsMore than 100 Detroit city bus drivers called in sick so they could attend the rally. It resulted in several route delays or cancellations.
“We really apologize to our public and people who ride with us every day. We love you and we’re doing this for you, not just for us,” said Detroit bus driver William Williams. “If the cuts being proposed are allowed to happen, there are going to be more inconveniences that this one day. This is one day to save the rest of the year.”
Full Story: DDOT Sick-Out Causes Major Delays
Several protesters voiced their fear of a financial takeover of the city of Detroit. But Snyder told Local 4 he has no plans to take action in assigning a manager for city.
"We're going to work with them on it in terms of a consent agreement, a budget plan that works well. And help work with them on monitoring follow through to make sure these appropriate things happen so we can avoid this problem," Snyder said
