Livingston Today

House Appropriations Chair Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, expressed concerns over the use of a $5 million taxpayer-funded grant. Reports indicate that an out-of-state developer utilized $1.6 million of this grant to settle back taxes on a vacant hotel in Oakland County.

Rep. Bollin stated, "What happened with the Southfield hotel is a glaring example of why we must be extremely cautious and transparent when allocating taxpayer dollars." She criticized the addition of the grant to the budget by Democrats without sufficient vetting or accountability, leading to its controversial use.

In response to such issues, Rep. Bollin highlighted new measures implemented after she became Appropriations chair. These include requirements for any project seeking direct grant funding through the state budget process to be submitted well in advance with comprehensive documentation demonstrating public benefit. Furthermore, under this new process, for-profit businesses are no longer eligible for no-bid earmarks.

Rep. Bollin emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in using taxpayer money: "The people of Michigan deserve transparency, accountability, and confidence that their hard-earned tax dollars are being used responsibly — not handed out with little scrutiny to developers with questionable track records."

She concluded by stressing the importance of restoring trust in how state funds are allocated.