LANSING — Michigan lawmakers have begun considering more than $3 billion in funding for projects across the state, often referred to as lawmaker ‘pet projects’ or ‘pork.’
The state House has held multiple public meetings in recent weeks, hearing from applicants about their requests and why they say the state should provide support.
Lawmakers were required to submit their requests for funding in May, along with information on the recipient and supporters of the request.
Some Northern Michigan requests include $2 million for renovations to the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, as well as $2.9 million for the nonprofit dental service United we Smile.
“This clinic, located in Traverse City, was created in early 2023 to fill a real need the lack of dental care services for unserved populations in our region, specifically including veterans, children, the disabled and individuals without access to dental care,” said Deon Vaughn, chair of the United Way of Northwest Michigan board.
Other Northern Michigan requests include $15 million for infrastructure and PFAS response in Cadillac, $10 million each for TCAPS and Housing North, $35 million for a Grand Traverse youth treatment center, $75 million for MSU AgBio research, $8 million for Northwestern Michigan College and $40 million for Teach For America.
In previous years, most funding requests weren’t known to the public until they were already approved by the Legislature.
Some appropriations have led to criminal investigations by state authorities, including $2 million for a study about launching rockets from Lake Superior.
In May, Attorney General Dana Nessel charged a former state House aide with embezzlement and misuse of public funds.
The charges concerned a $25 million grant for a health center in Clare, which Nessel said never had a chance of being built with the funding.
