State Representative Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy) issued the following statement on the passage of House Resolution 14, which adds a number of new transparency measures to the House Rules, including a requirement that particular members must sponsor by name line item earmarks in appropriations spending.

“Politicians in Lansing have been talking about transparency for years. There haven’t been many results. But now, under Republican leadership, we’re making sure that the legislature’s appropriations have to be open and accountable to all. Requiring earmarks to have a particular legislator as a sponsor will make it harder for politicians to serve as the tools for special interest groups, which have historically used the budget process for their own gain. My House Republican colleagues and I promised we would bring more transparency to Lansing. We’re following through, and this is the proof.”

House Resolution 14’s new rules for legislatively directed spending initiatives include the following:

• No earmarks for for-profit businesses. Projects will be limited to public bodies and eligible non-profits.
• Greater accountability for sponsors. Each funding request must include detailed information, including the sponsor and co-sponsors, the intended recipient’s name and location, the requested amount, the project’s purpose, an explanation of public benefit, project timeline, and other key details of the project.
• Stricter non-profit eligibility. Organizations must be established in Michigan for at least three full years and maintain a physical office in the state for at least one year.
• Conflict-of-interest protections. Sponsors must certify they have no conflicts of interest with the recipient. Family members and staff of the sponsor should not serve on the non-profit’s board or be employed by the organization.
• Greater transparency throughout the process. Funding requests must be submitted to the House Business Office at least 14 days before consideration and made publicly available online by May 1 for 2025 and April 1 in future years.