Michigan House Republicans are pleased with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D-MI) push for earmark transparency, saying she followed “our lead” on the issue.
Whitmer will propose new rules for earmark transparency as part of her government spending plan for the coming fiscal year.
“It’s great to see Governor Whitmer embracing the ideas and leadership of House Republicans,” Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall said in a statement. “For seven years, Lansing has failed to take meaningful action on government transparency, but today, we’re seeing real progress — progress that is happening because House Republicans took the lead.”
“This is an issue we prioritized, and now Governor Whitmer is following our lead to deliver real accountability for the people of Michigan,” he added.
Hall was elected as Michigan House speaker after Michigan Republicans took back the chamber in November, unseating former Democratic House Speaker Joe Tate. The top Michigan House Republican spent two years as minority leader before the promotion.
“House Republicans are driving the conversation on transparency measures, and under House Rules, we can advance this priority without needing the Senate’s agreement — if they want to pass a bill that hides special interest funding, we will not take it up,” Hall added. “While their support would be welcome, we are committed to putting Michigan families first. It’s a great step forward that the governor is aligning with our vision — it’s proof that strong, Michigan First leadership makes a difference.”
The earmarks at issue, often called “pork barrel spending,” involve grants being placed into bills shortly before votes are made on them. This generally makes it so spending can be placed onto bills before lawmakers can fully review them. Information on who requested the funding and what it will be used for is often not widely available either.
More than $600 million in grants were signed into law last year by Whitmer, likely meaning reform to earmarks could significantly change what types of funding are approved for the next fiscal year.
The Michigan House has already approved an earmark transparency plan, but the state Senate, which has a Democratic majority, has not adopted the rules. Whitmer’s earmark proposal will apply to both chambers.
Her proposal will require all grant information to be posted online five days before the budget passes and will prevent earmarks for for-profit entities. Appropriations subcommittees would also have to approve the grant.
As a last step, grants would require a “sponsorship letter” with the legislator, recipient name, grant amount, and public purpose included, along with a pledge that there is no immediate conflict of interest for the legislator.
“This proposal brings the state into alignment with the federal government with regard to legislative grants creating a more transparent process,” the state budget office wrote in a memo.
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The budget was introduced earlier Wednesday, with House Republicans giving it mixed reviews.
“Since Governor Whitmer has taken office, government spending has grown by 43% — this budget proposal continues that trend,” Hall said in a statement. “We are ready to take a hard look at her proposals, some of which are good ideas, but House Republicans will not grow government at the expense of hardworking taxpayers.”