LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan Speaker of the House Matt Hall said he’s sticking to House Republicans’ top fiscal priorities as the state faces a tighter budget forecast and is highlighting renewed scrutiny over the Secretary of State’s handling of multiple government responsibilities.
During a press conference at the Capitol, Hall (R-Richland Township) said Michigan lawmakers need to take a closer look at state spending, following the latest consensus revenue estimating conference that projected a decline in expected revenues for fiscal year 2025. Economists at the conference also warned of job losses tied to rising auto tariffs, potentially impacting up to 13,000 jobs and raising vehicle costs by an average of $6,200.
“This is about priorities,” Hall said. “Somebody has to come in here, look through all the line items, and look for value for the tax dollars and do something that they haven’t done here in a long time, which is set priorities. You have this much money. You set priorities.”
Hall pushed back on the conference’s grim outlook, saying forecasts still show a 4% revenue increase from last year. Still, he argued that instead of expanding spending, lawmakers should identify areas for savings and eliminate what he called “wasteful spending.”
The Senate advanced its version of the budget last week, but state economists indicated it could lead to a deficit without major revisions. House Republicans are now “doubling down” on their strategy to double-check and approve every line item in the budget.
Alongside budget talks, Hall addressed multiple concerns involving Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, whose office is under fire for both a subpoena request and ongoing technical problems with a state-run financial disclosure website.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a letter to Benson Monday, saying Benson violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by announcing her gubernatorial campaign in a state-owned building. However, the Attorney General said her office has no legal authority to impose penalties under current law and called on the Legislature to consider amending the act’s enforcement provisions.
In addition, Hall criticized the Secretary of State’s handling of a website designed for lawmakers to file required financial disclosure forms. Issues with the platform—built by contractor Tyler Technologies—forced an extension of the filing deadline and triggered an investigation by the House Oversight Committee.
“This website still does not work,” Hall said. “The House Oversight Committee has begun investigating this website and Jocelyn Benson’s selection of this website. It’s a total mess, and they’re going to continue investigating it.”
The Department of State confirmed Tuesday that it has paused payments to Tyler Technologies, which has received $3 million of a $9 million contract signed in May 2023. Hall cited issues with the vendor in other jurisdictions as well, including cost overruns in Cook County, Illinois, where a contract ballooned from $75 million to $265 million, and failures in Grand Traverse and Genesee Counties in Michigan.
House Republicans are also demanding that the Department of State release full election worker training materials. After a subpoena was issued, the department posted some documents online, but lawmakers say key materials are still missing.
As the House continues budget negotiations, Hall said transparency and accountability across state departments, including the Secretary of State’s office, will remain a top priority.