LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall is using Sunshine Week to highlight transparency reforms while outlining a broader Republican policy agenda that includes tax cuts and energy changes.
Hall pointed to the “HEAT” plan, legislation requiring public disclosure of legislative spending projects.
The law mandates that lawmakers identify funding sponsors, intended beneficiaries, and project timelines before money is approved. Hall said the changes are designed to prevent last-minute budget insertions and improve accountability.
“What we did is we forced them, they couldn’t get the pork unless they did the transparency,” Hall said.
He argued the reforms could save taxpayers “hundreds of millions of dollars” by reducing what he described as wasteful spending.
Hall also outlined additional proposals, including banning nondisclosure agreements tied to state economic development deals and placing restrictions on lawmakers becoming lobbyists after leaving office.
“Public service should not be about enriching oneself,” he said.
Beyond transparency, Hall detailed several policy priorities for the legislative session. Those include repealing or scaling back clean energy policies, which he argued are driving up utility costs, and requiring utilities to lower rates.
He also promoted a proposed $5 billion property tax cut plan, which he described as the largest in state history. The proposal would eliminate several taxes and shift costs to other sectors, including certain service industries.
“It’s going to be the biggest property tax reform in Michigan’s history,” Hall said.
Hall further called for immediate legislative action to fund runway improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, warning delays could jeopardize plans for a new fighter mission.
The speaker also criticized Senate Democrats for not advancing legislation to join an interstate medical licensure compact, saying delays could impact thousands of doctors and patients.
