Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Underway - House Appropriations Chair Appointed

News & Media

Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Underway - House Appropriations Chair Appointed

Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Underway - House Appropriations Chair Appointed

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township, 42nd House District) has announced Appropriations Committee leadership. Representative Ann Bollin (R-Brighton, 49th House District) will chair the committee, with Representative Matt Maddock (R-Milford, 51st House District) as the Majority Vice Chair and Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn, 3rd House District) serving as the Minority Vice Chair. The appointments highlight efforts to prioritize fiscal responsibility and bipartisanship in the budget process, with Representative Bollin emphasizing the need for a "principled budget" and collaboration with Senate counterparts. Representative Maddock, known for his conservative stance, praised Speaker Hall's leadership despite past tensions. Representative Farhat’s appointment, however, deviated from the recommendation of House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton, 24th House District), sparking internal Democratic debate. Representative Puri had suggested Representative Will Snyder (D-Muskegon, 87th House District) as a more balanced choice to challenge Republican policies effectively.

The announcement, delivered unusually late and during a press conference rather than a press release, marks a significant shift in the committee's formation process. Speaker Hall defended his choices as being based on qualifications and campaign promises rather than relationships, emphasizing the importance of transparency and taxpayer value in managing the state’s finances. Representative Farhat expressed optimism about delivering tangible results for taxpayers, particularly in addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Despite some discontent among Democrats, Speaker Hall and Representative Bollin stressed their commitment to crafting a sustainable, accountable budget while reducing reliance on conference committees. The collaboration between House and Senate Appropriations leaders, such as Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing, 21st Senate District), is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

It is typical to announce the Appropriations Committee leadership first, with the rest of the Committee chair puzzle pieces falling into place after that step. However, the only other Committee Chair announced thus far is Representative Sarah Lightner (R-Springport, 45th House District) for Judiciary with Representative Brian BeGole (R-Perry, 71st House District) as the Majority Vice Chair. There is still no word on the rest of the Appropriations subcommittees or any policy committees. Without those, even if bills are introduced, there is nowhere for them to be referred and no way for them to move through the legislative process.