Tri-City Sun

State Representative Timmy Beson has emphasized the importance of a new Oversight Committee structure designed to enhance transparency within state government. This initiative is set to expand the House's oversight capabilities for the 2025-26 legislative term, featuring six subcommittees. These panels will address issues such as state government weaponization, child welfare, corporate subsidies and investments, public health, and foreign influence. The committees will include members from both major political parties.

Beson stated, "These committees will ensure public dollars are being best used for the public’s benefit, while also giving people a more detailed look at how decisions are made across multiple levels of state government." He highlighted concerns over recent use of taxpayer money in efforts to attract businesses to Michigan and in severance agreements with state employees. Additionally, he pointed out last-minute rule changes by the Secretary of State regarding election processes.

He expressed that residents across the state have raised questions about these decisions and feel there is currently insufficient accountability in government. "When there’s very little accountability, people lose faith in the system. That has to change, and these committees will help get us there," Beson remarked.

The new rules for the upcoming legislative term grant subpoena power to the House Oversight Committee. A report from 2020 by the Coalition for Integrity ranked Michigan 48th out of 50 states concerning government ethics and transparency.

Beson is entering his third term representing Michigan's 96th House District, which includes Bay City, Essexville, and several surrounding townships.