Shelby Review

State Rep. Ron Robinson (R–Utica), who serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), addressed his committee’s ongoing efforts to identify and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in state programs.

Robinson criticized what he described as excessive spending within the LEO budget. “The LEO budget is a perfect example of government bloat. There are worthwhile ideas, but there are also a lot of things like taxpayer-funded grants for puppet art performances, barbershop quartets, and the controversial Global Michigan program, which gives rental assistance for people living here illegally,” said Robinson. “Our committee is working to evaluate this entire department from top to bottom. If we cut the waste across the entire state budget and focus on priorities, we can fix our roads without a tax hike."

He emphasized that many families in Macomb County do not want higher taxes as a solution for road repairs. “Families in Macomb County are tired of being told the only way to fix the roads is by paying higher taxes,” said Robinson. “Before Lansing bureaucrats even think about raising taxes on hardworking taxpayers, they need to stop wasting the money they already have.  My top priority is to put Michigan families first by continuing to eliminate wasteful spending, and ensuring their money goes to fixing potholes and bridges, not puppets and wasteful projects.”

Robinson’s comments come amid broader discussions in Michigan about how best to fund infrastructure improvements without increasing taxes for residents.