State Rep. Donni Steele, R-Lake Orion, is urging the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to reject a proposal that would provide up to $1.5 million in taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood.

“Oakland County taxpayers deserve better,” Steele said. “This is not about whether someone chooses to use Planned Parenthood. It is about whether county government should be using taxpayer money to subsidize a private organization.”

Steele said Oakland County should prioritize core government responsibilities, including public safety, law enforcement, emergency services, roads and infrastructure.

The timing of the proposal is particularly concerning, Steele said. On Aug. 4, voters in Brandon, Highland, Independence, Orion and Waterford townships rejected eight police and fire millage proposals, leaving communities to consider how to maintain critical public-safety services. In addition, in 2025 Oakland County Commissioners increased service contract fees for the Oakland County Sheriff Department services. 

“We cannot tell taxpayers there isn’t enough money for police and fire protection while simultaneously finding millions of dollars to fund organizations outside the core responsibilities of county government,” Steele said.

“There are many worthy organizations and causes in Oakland County. That does not mean government should fund them all. Taxpayer dollars should be focused on the essential services government is responsible for providing.”

Steele called on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to reject the proposal and said the county should focus on responsible spending and public safety.

“We should listen to Oakland County taxpayers, and they are asking for something very simple: responsible spending, limited government and a focus on public safety.”