Livingston Today

State Rep. Ann Bollin has voiced her concerns over the lack of accountability in economic development spending in Michigan. Following an audit report revealing inadequate oversight within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Rep. Bollin emphasized the need for stronger safeguards to protect taxpayers' investments.

In response to the audit findings, Rep. Bollin stated, “If the state is going to give our hard-earned tax dollars to big corporations in the name of economic development, there should be strong safeguards in place to protect those investments.” She further expressed her disappointment, saying, “This audit uncovered a betrayal of the public’s trust and a disturbing lack of accountability from the MEDC. It’s unacceptable.”

Rep. Bollin highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in economic development projects, stressing that these elements are crucial when taxpayer dollars are involved. She introduced House Bill 5137, a negative supplemental appropriations plan, aimed at enhancing accountability in the allocation of economic development funds. Additionally, House Bill 5138 seeks to ensure that funds awarded through the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) are returned to the general fund if a project is canceled or delayed indefinitely.

In her efforts to safeguard taxpayer investments, Rep. Bollin reiterated, “When the state invests taxpayer dollars on economic development, transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. I’m working to make sure those safeguards are in place and that every project demonstrates a clear and substantial return on investment for the taxpayers footing the bill. Anything less is simply unacceptable.”

Rep. Bollin's proactive approach aims to address the shortcomings in economic development spending and protect Michigan taxpayers from bearing the brunt of insufficient oversight.