Following the 2026 State of the State address, Michigan House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin, a Republican from Brighton Township, discussed her ongoing commitment to bipartisan work aimed at supporting families in Michigan. She emphasized her opposition to policies that would increase costs or expand government unnecessarily.
Bollin expressed optimism about continued collaboration with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and federal partners. “Over the past year, the House has led the way in delivering solutions through the state budget that directly address the biggest concerns I hear from families in Livingston County and across Michigan,” Bollin said. “We’ve proven that when we focus on priorities and cut waste, we can provide real relief without asking taxpayers to pay more.”
Under Bollin’s leadership as Appropriations Chair, the House advanced a budget focusing on tax relief, public safety, education, and infrastructure. She sponsored efforts to eliminate state taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits—measures expected to save tipped workers about $1,500 per year, those earning overtime around $2,000 per year, and seniors collecting Social Security roughly $500 annually.
“We’re letting people keep more of what they earn,” Bollin said. “That’s how you help families deal with rising costs, not by growing government but by shrinking the tax burden.”
The budget also restored funding for school safety and mental health while maintaining record investments in education. Legislation was passed to remove cell phones from classrooms to help students concentrate on learning.
In November 2024, House Republicans introduced Michigan’s first comprehensive roads plan which became law. The plan addresses local roads and bridges and is projected to support or create 22,000 construction jobs without raising taxes for drivers.
Bollin also led efforts that identified $800 million in wasteful spending within the state budget. These funds were redirected toward priorities such as roads and public safety.
To improve transparency in government spending—a priority she advocates for—Bollin spearheaded the House Ethics Accountability and Transparency (HEAT) plan. Now law, it establishes new standards for transparency regarding state expenditures. “Taxpayers want to know exactly where their money is going,” Bollin said. “The HEAT plan brings unprecedented transparency and accountability to state government, exposes waste and corruption, and helps restore trust. We all want to make sure that Lansing is working for the people of Michigan, not special interest groups.” This aligns with her broader advocacy for transparency and accountability as noted on her official website.
Looking ahead at legislative priorities for 2026, Bollin stated her commitment to accessible health care while protecting vulnerable residents. She supports reforms aimed at shielding families from aggressive medical debt collection during emergencies: “No family should be pushed into financial ruin because of a sudden health emergency,” she said. “We have been working on solutions to protect people and help them get back on their feet.”
Lowering costs remains a central goal; current efforts include developing a property tax relief plan intended to benefit all Michigan families while also aiming to reduce monthly utility bills.
Bollin continues work on reducing regulations affecting businesses so they can grow locally—a reflection of her engagement with community events as well as support for local business expansion detailed on her official website.
Despite expressing willingness for collaboration across party lines—including recognizing outstanding service by law enforcement according to information available here—she raised concerns over recent proposals by Governor Whitmer involving increased taxes or strict energy mandates: “That is a clear difference in priorities,” Bollin said regarding an $800 million proposed tax increase versus last year’s elimination of equivalent wasteful spending under her leadership. “I believe we should tighten our belts and eliminate waste before asking families to pay more. I will continue fighting to protect taxpayers.”
Bollin serves communities throughout Livingston County as noted here, chairs both appropriations responsibilities as well as election-related committees focused on integrity measures according to official records.
