Lansing, Michigan — Democratic lawmakers in Michigan sharply criticized House Republican leadership Tuesday after roughly $645 million in previously approved state spending was canceled, warning the move has destabilized communities and disrupted projects already underway.
Members of both the Michigan House and Senate joined leaders of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus at a Capitol press conference, where caucus chair Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) called the decision a failure of governance. O’Neal said the canceled funds had already been approved and were intended to benefit residents across the state, adding that lawmakers “can do a lot better” than abruptly reversing commitments.
Republican leaders framed the move as an effort to eliminate “waste, fraud and abuse,” but Democrats forcefully rejected that explanation. Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) argued that pulling funding midstream wastes taxpayer dollars already invested in planning and early implementation, while breaking commitments to local communities that relied on the money.
State Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren), co-chair of the Asian Pacific American Caucus, said the cancellations would not lower taxes or return money to residents, noting the funds are instead being redirected to the state’s general fund. She described claims of fiscal savings as misleading.
Senate Appropriations Chair Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) pledged that Senate Democrats would attempt to restore the canceled funding, saying lawmakers would use every available legislative tool in coordination with the governor’s office. Several legislators emphasized that Black communities and Detroit-area projects focused on public safety and education were disproportionately affected.
Anthony said the Senate would not pursue additional cancellations and would instead hear testimony from impacted grantees, signaling a sharp contrast with House GOP tactics that Democrats say have created uncertainty and confusion statewide.
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