Livingston Today

House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin has expressed concerns about the Senate's recent vote on SB 596, which would allow legislators to submit earmark spending requests just 10 days before the finalization of the state budget.

In a statement released after the Senate's decision, Bollin criticized the measure, stating, “It may be 10 times the amount of transparency the Senate showed the public as part of this year’s budget process, but the so-called ‘transparency’ plan the Senate passed today is not nearly good enough. Ten days of notice before stuffing earmarks into a multi-billion-dollar budget doesn’t come close to true transparency. The people of Michigan deserve to know where their money is going. Legislators and residents deserve time to look into special projects, analyze whether their tax dollars are being used for the public good, and weigh in before the budget becomes law.”

Bollin emphasized her stance on the importance of accountability and openness in the budgeting process. She added, “I’ve said from the beginning that accountability and openness must come first. If the Senate isn’t willing to allow at least 90 days of public scrutiny for earmarks, then I’m perfectly fine not including any earmarks in the budget. We can fund important priorities without hiding pet projects in the fine print.”

The proposed legislation comes as Michigan lawmakers continue to debate the level of transparency and public involvement appropriate for the state’s budgeting process.