State Rep. Rachelle Smit, Speaker Pro Tem of the House and chair of the House Election Integrity Committee, today blasted Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for spreading false claims about the House-passed budget and its impact on everyday services.

Smit said Benson’s warning that the budget will cause hours-long waits at Secretary of State branches is nothing more than a political stunt meant to scare Michigan families.

The majority of the cuts target phantom employees — 186 positions that are completely unfilled and exist only on paper. In total, the House budget eliminates 240 positions in the Department of State. Of the remainder, 49 are new roles Benson created over the past five years, and just five are unclassified administrative posts that do not serve the public at local branches.

“Secretary Benson is purposefully misleading people,” said Smit, R-Shelbyville. “She knows full well that these cuts don’t touch the frontline workers who actually help Michigan families. Instead of coming clean, she’s trying to protect her own political machine and convince people their services are at risk. That’s dishonest and unacceptable.”

Smit said Benson’s claims about wait times show either a lack of leadership or a deliberate attempt to create chaos.

“If cutting five political appointees really brings the system to its knees, then Benson is either completely incompetent, or she’s manufacturing a crisis on purpose,” Smit said. “Michiganders deserve a Secretary of State who is focused on customer service, but Secretary Benson already has her mind on her gubernational campaign.”

Smit emphasized that House Republicans are focused on cutting waste and protecting taxpayers.

“Families are stretched thin, and they expect us to protect their money. We can’t let politicians waste it on empty positions and vanity projects,” Smit said. “This budget cuts the fat, demands accountability, and ensures every dollar is going to the services people count on. Secretary Benson may not like it, but Michigan taxpayers sure do.”

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