Dear Neighbor,

Last week, House Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee voted to disapprove nearly $645 million in previously authorized Fiscal Year 2025 work project funding. These are dollars that had already been approved in law and were intended to support communities across Michigan, including communities of color.

These work projects were designed to address real needs: strengthening local infrastructure, supporting families, improving public health and investing in economic development.

Programs Affected by the Decision

 

Among the funding disapproved were investments in the following areas:

  • $159 million from the Make It in Michigan competitiveness fund
  • Over $102 million for community enhancement grants
  • Over $63 million for infrastructure grants
  • $50 million for Indigent Defense Commission grants
  • Over $18 million for prenatal and infant support through Rx Kids
  • Nearly $16 million for community museum grants
  • $4 million for nurse workforce development
  • Nearly $3 million for local food infrastructure grants
  • $1.8 million for firearm safety and violence prevention
  • Over $56,000 for wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment
  • $8.3 million to address the impacts of the Flint water crisis on young students

These funds were already factored into planning by local governments, nonprofits, health providers and families.

A Process That Lacked Transparency

 

The Appropriations Committee relied on a decades-old law to take this sweeping action. Democratic committee members received a summary of the affected programs only minutes before the vote. When asked whether there would be discussion of the real-world impacts of these cuts, the committee chair stated that there would be none.

As a result, consequential decisions affecting communities across the state were made without deliberation, public testimony or input from the people and organizations directly impacted.

Real Consequences for Michigan Communities

By disapproving these work projects, the committee reversed commitments to programs that support prenatal care, workforce development, community infrastructure, food security, public safety and even basic dignity for children battling cancer.

For many organizations and families, this decision has created uncertainty and disruption. Clinics, nonprofits and local partners were moving forward in good faith, only to find the funding they relied on suddenly withdrawn.

A Commitment to Responsible Governance

 

Good governance requires transparency, stability and respect for the commitments we make to the people we serve. While reasonable debates over budget priorities are necessary, undoing previously approved investments through a procedural shortcut undermines trust in the process.

I believe Michigan can and must do better.

My Democratic colleagues and I are working to restore these funds and ensure that investments already promised to our communities are honored. I will continue advocating for a budget process that is thoughtful, transparent and centered on the well-being of Michigan families.

Thank you, as always, for the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

 

Amos O’Neal
State Representative
House District 94

Saginaw, MI