Tri-City Sun

The Michigan House of Representatives has passed the $78.5 billion Value for MI Dollars budget proposal, a move State Rep. Jerry Neyer described as a significant change in state fiscal policy. The plan allocates $3.4 billion for a long-term road funding initiative and identifies over $5 billion in savings by cutting what supporters call waste and fraud.

In a statement released Friday, Neyer emphasized the importance of government accountability and transparency. “Our goal throughout this budget process is simple: restore accountability in government and ensure transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent. Michiganders shouldn’t have to watch their elected officials subpoena department directors just to get straightforward answers about daily operations. Yet, year after year, unelected bureaucrats in departments like EGLE, LARA, and the DNR have been handed blank checks to push regulations that everyday people can’t reasonably follow. That era of rubber-stamping ends here," Neyer said.

Neyer highlighted several priorities within the proposal, including maintaining no taxes on tips or overtime pay and providing record levels of funding for Michigan schools. He stated that Republican lawmakers conducted a detailed review of spending proposals to identify areas where funds could be reallocated toward what they see as core needs such as roads, public safety, education, and tax relief.

“This budget is a turning point. We are trimming the fat by cutting corporate welfare, political handouts, and interdepartmental waste, fraud, and abuse. Instead of rushing through billions of your tax dollars in March without meaningful review, Republicans went line by line and identified over $5 billion in savings. Those dollars are being redirected toward real priorities that matter to Michigan families, such as a $3 billion roads plan that doesn’t raise taxes, strengthening public safety, boosting per-pupil school funding, and delivering real tax relief,” he added.

Neyer also criticized Senate Democrats for approving an $85 billion package earlier this year without substantial consideration for road funding or addressing other forms of spending he considers excessive.

“For years, these problems were swept under the rug. Just this spring, Senate Democrats spent $85 billion in a single week without even considering a serious roads plan. All while keeping corporate welfare and bureaucratic waste untouched. That is not responsible governing—it’s business as usual,” Neyer said.

He concluded with an appeal for bipartisan cooperation: “Real reform is never easy, and meaningful change is always a tough pill to swallow. But this process is far from over. Our hope is to reach a compromise that proves to Michiganders their government can work across the aisle and deliver a budget that is leaner, more transparent, and focused on the true needs of our state.”