LANSING - The state of Michigan was without money for almost two hours early Thursday morning until legislators agreed on an interim budget to keep government offices open.

Rep. Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, said Thursday, lawmakers have 30 days to get a permanent fiscal year 2010 budget to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for her signature.

The interim funding measure is a "reality budget," Lahti said.

"The budgets passed based on the money we have," he said.

Funding for schools will still have to be found when the permanent budget is completed, Lahti said.

"There's not going to be a solution based on revenues," he said.

There may be some American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money for schools, but Lahti said a different, more consistent way to fund schools needs to be found.

"We have a job to do to better fund school aid," he said.

Unfortunately, Lahti said schools will probably have to find more ways to reduce their costs because of the state's precarious financial situation.

In a written statement, State Sen. Mike Prusi, D-Ishpeming, said he thinks a final budget is something that can be worked out.

"There's a window for us as Senators - Republicans and Democrats - to step up to the plate and show real leadership on a final budget solution," Prusi wrote. "We don't need to point fingers or wait for the House to do everything; all the tools are here in this chamber to get a compromise done. All we're asking for is the majority to work with us on a long-term fix that protects public safety, education and health care. Their take-it-or-leave-it approach didn't work, so let's give a constructive compromise a shot."

Lahti said he's confident a final budget will be completed within 30 days.

Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie@ mininggazette.com.