LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall is defending Republican-led budget decisions while outlining policy priorities lawmakers plan to pursue this year.
During remarks to reporters, Hall said Republican lawmakers cut hundreds of millions of dollars in spending they believe amounted to waste, fraud, and abuse. He pointed to a court-issued preliminary injunction that blocked roughly $349 million in funding and said Republicans want further clarification from the Whitmer administration about how those funds were allocated.
“We cut the waste, fraud, and abuse… and now they found out, oh, we were so disorganized we already spent half of that. But there’s 349 million that we haven’t spent that’s unobligated that now we’re under a preliminary injunction not to spend,” Hall said.
Hall said Republicans are open to negotiating future spending decisions but want to review projects individually.
He also defended recent tax policies, including exemptions for tips, overtime, and Social Security income. Hall said the measures were designed to return money to residents rather than expand government programs.
“We wanted the government to have less money because we believe the people would make better use of their tax dollars than the government is with all this waste, fraud, and abuse,” Hall said.
Looking ahead, Hall identified property tax reform as a top legislative priority. He said residents across Michigan have expressed concerns about rising property tax costs, and lawmakers are considering multiple approaches, including potential ballot proposals or legislative action.
Hall also said Republicans are focusing on reducing health care costs, including reviewing hospital system finances and addressing rising insurance premiums.
“You hear from a lot of people struggling to afford their health care costs and premiums… so we’re working very hard on healthcare affordability,” Hall said.
Education policy is another area Republicans plan to address. Hall expressed support for legislation restricting cell phone use during classroom instruction and accelerating the implementation of literacy programs focused on phonics instruction.
Hall said he expects negotiations with Democrats and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on several proposals, including literacy initiatives and rural health care funding.
“I believe we’re going to get meaningful property tax reform. I believe we’re going to take action to lower the cost of health care… we’re going to do a lot,” Hall said.
The Michigan Legislature is expected to debate several of these proposals as lawmakers continue working on the state budget and policy agenda for the year.
