Gov. Rick Snyder presents 2017 budget

Copies of the 2015-2016 budget await legislators before Snuder's presentation.

Reps. Paul Muxlow, R-Brown City left, and Edward Canfield, R-Sebewaing, discuss funding provisions in the proposed budget.

With a thickness akin to the old Sears and Roebuck catalogs, Michigan's budget for next fiscal year is a serious read.

Gov. Rick Snyder greets Sen Mike Green, R-Mayville, and Sen Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, before he presents the budget.

Committee Chairs, Rep Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville, and Sen. Dave Hildenbrand, R-Lowell take charge and call the combined committees together.

Michigan senators listen as Gov. Rick Snyder presents the budget.

“The main thing we need to have is everyone focused on solving the problem,” Snyder told legislators, “Unfortunately there are a lot of resources and people spending their time on blame. That doesn’t solve the problem."

Sens. Curtis Hertel Jr., left, D-East Lansing, and David Knezek, D-Dearborn Heights, make sure nobody can read their lips during a huddle while Gov. Rick Snyder presents the budget.

With a furrowed brow, Sen. Coleman Young Jr., D-Detroit, looks through the paperwork.

Gov. Rick Snyder talks about the Flint water problem and the need for "broad and early Intervention."

Governor Rick Snyder presents the budget to the combined House and Senate Appropriations committees in the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb 10, 2016. The budget contains special funding for Flint's water problems and Detroit Public Schools. (Dale G. Young/The Detroit News)

Gov. Rick Snyder said in his proposed $54.9 billion budget plan that the state will need to spend money in Flint for many more years. “The path forward for Flint will require continued investments to resolve the longer-term needs of the city and the future health and well-being of the people of Flint.”

Reflected in a large mirror at the back of the chamber, legislators listen as Gov. Rick Snyder presents the budget. It was standing room only in the chamber with many people forced to listen in an anteroom upstairs.

A small but loud group of protesters made noise in the hall outside the House Appropriations Committee room.

A small group of protesters gather outside the chamber in the Capitol.