Waterford Today

State Representative Mike Harris and the Michigan House of Representatives have approved significant reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in legislative spending. These changes, encapsulated in House Resolution 14, are part of a broader initiative by House Republicans to emphasize fiscal responsibility during the 2025-26 legislative session.

Harris, representing Waterford, criticized past budget processes for being opaque and accused some lawmakers and the governor of distributing taxpayer-funded benefits to political allies. "For years, the Michigan budget process has been mired in self-dealing," Harris stated. He emphasized that with Republicans holding a majority, they intend to eliminate unvetted projects that do not serve Michigan residents.

The resolution comes after previous state budgets included billions in earmarks lacking transparency. Harris highlighted a 2022 incident where a $20 million earmark was allegedly misused by an ally of Governor Whitmer on personal expenses such as luxury items and high salaries.

To prevent future abuses, HR 14 introduces several measures:

- Earmarks will no longer be available for for-profit businesses; grants will only go to public bodies and eligible non-profits.

- Non-profits must have been established in Michigan for at least three years and maintain a physical office there for one year.

- Detailed information must accompany each funding request, including sponsor details, recipient information, grant purpose, timeline, and public benefit explanation.

- Sponsors must certify no conflicts of interest exist with recipients; their family or staff cannot serve on non-profit boards or be employed by them.

- Funding requests must be submitted at least 14 days before consideration and made publicly accessible online by May 1 for this year and April 1 in subsequent years.

Harris reiterated his stance against special treatment for businesses or individuals with political connections: “For-profit businesses shouldn’t get special handouts on the taxpayer dime." He asserted that these new rules would ensure grants support thoroughly reviewed projects benefiting Michigan taxpayers.

The resolution passed unanimously with a vote count of 105-0.