State Representative Joey Andrews is feeling optimistic about the chances of a state budget being approved by lawmakers on time this year.

Andrews addressed the Benton Harbor City Commission on Monday, saying both the Republican House and the Democratic Senate have approved their budgets, although there are substantial differences between the two plans. Negotiations involving the House, the Senate, and the governor are underway, and Andrews suspects they can meet the deadline, much unlike last year.

As for priorities, Andrews said the Democrats are keeping a close eye on funding for free school lunches for all students, something they approved when they had total control. And there’s one program that recently expanded to Benton Harbor he’s watching.

“The Republicans have been pretty critical of the Rx Kids program and seem to really want to claw the money back from it. They tried to last fall during all that drama around the grants, so we’re keeping an eye on the funding for that program as well.

Rx Kids is a prenatal and infant cash prescription program that provides $1,500 to mothers during pregnancy and $500 a month for babies for between six and 12 months after they are born. It’s available to mothers in Benton Harbor, Benton Township, Buchanan, and Niles, among other communities.

Andrews said apart from the budget, it’s doesn’t look like much will get done in Lansing this year.

“We had only had like 64 bills signed into law last year. We’re on pace to maybe even beat that in terms of how few laws are being passed this year. The impasse between the House and the Senate is the worst it’s ever been.”

Andrews said there’s little inclination among legislative leaders to work with anyone from outside their party. He’s hoping for new House leadership during a future session so things can get done again in the state capital.