LANSING, MI –State Representative Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) is taking a stand against wasteful government spending by voting for HR 14, a resolution designed to bring long-overdue transparency to Michigan’s budget process.

“Michigan families work hard for every dollar they earn, yet they’re footing the bill for a bloated state budget riddled with backroom deals and unchecked earmarks,” said Rigas. “Taxpayers deserve to know exactly where their money is going, and HR 14 will ensure every dollar is spent with accountability and purpose.”

HR 14 is a key step in House Republicans’ plan to fix Michigan’s broken budgeting system. It ensures full transparency in earmarked spending, bans for-profit businesses from receiving funds, and holds non-profits to higher standards. The resolution also eliminates conflicts of interest and stops backroom budget deals by requiring full documentation and rigorous review for all spending requests.

The push for reform comes in response to recent abuses of the state budget process. In 2022, a $20million earmark was awarded to an ally of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who later used taxpayer funds to purchase a $4,500 coffee maker, an $11,000 first-class international plane ticket, and over$400,000 in salaries for just two employees.

“This kind of reckless spending is exactly why Michigan needs bold, conservative leadership to fix our budget,” Rigas continued. “We’re putting an end to waste, abuse, and political favoritism—taxpayers will finally be put first.”

House Republicans remain committed to restoring trust in the budgeting process and ensuring that Michigan’s families, not political insiders, come first.

For more information, please contact Rep. Angela Rigas at (517) 373-1403 or via email [email protected].