Michigan’s standoff over work project funds continues as House Speaker Matt Hall files a lawsuit against state department offices.
On Jan. 9, following Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s statement on the unconstitutional decision to disapprove nearly $645 million in work project funds, Michigan’s House of Representatives, led by Speaker Matt Hall, filed a lawsuit in the Michigan Court of Claims.
In November, the state budget director delivered a letter to the Michigan House and Senate appropriations committees proposing $2.7 billion from the 2025 fiscal year be reclassified as work projects.
According to the motion filed by Speaker Matt Hall, the House Appropriations Committee operated within its ability to disapprove $645 million in work project funds. The pause on funds relies on the interpretation of MCL 18.1451a(3), which offers a 30-day window for the Senate or House of Representatives to make a decision on work projects that the director has ordered to lapse.
The State Budget Office Director, following the close of the fiscal year, shall notify members and agencies of appropriations designated as work projects and provide a final report within 120 days of the end of a fiscal year to summarize existing funds currently available to work projects.
Following AG Dana Nessel’s statement last Wednesday, funds were made available under a temporary continuation by the state budget office. Hall’s filing with the Michigan Court of Claims seeks a restraining order to limit the work project funds while the lawsuit works through the courts.
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