Michigan Democrats working overtime to spend your money in lame duck session

Keeping it Real with Dave Bondy

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MICHIGAN LAME DUCK LEGISLATURE SPENDING YOUR CASH:

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s economic development practices, spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), are under scrutiny as citizens and experts raise concerns about transparency, funding allocation, and local community impacts.

Marjorie Steele, a member of the Economic Development Responsibility Alliance of Michigan (EDRAM), highlighted these concerns in a recent interview. The MEDC, she explained, functions as a public-private nonprofit aimed at attracting investment to Michigan. However, critics argue its methods have prioritized corporate interests over community needs.

“We’re seeing massive amounts of taxpayer money being funneled into projects with little transparency,” Steele said. “In Mundy Township alone, $250 million has already been spent on a mega-site project, and we still don’t know which company, if any, will take over the site.”

Steele, who has a background in development, described the process as backward.

“In the past, companies like Walmart would come to town with a detailed plan before any ground was broken,” she said. “Now, they’re cutting down trees and buying land without a clear site plan or buyer. It’s the opposite of responsible development.”

Local Impacts: Mundy Township and Beyond

In Mundy Township, developers have cleared large areas of land, prompting outrage from residents. According to Steele, such actions reflect a dismissive attitude toward environmental and community concerns.

“They’re cutting down trees without knowing if it’s necessary,” she said. “Their response? ‘We’ll replant them if we have to.’ This attitude feels like a form of bullying.”

The lack of transparency extends beyond Mundy Township. Steele pointed to Big Rapids, where similar controversies arose over the Goshen battery plant, and to the Porcupine Mountains, where a mining project could pose environmental risks.

“These projects are being pushed through with minimal public input and little regard for long-term consequences,” Steele said.

Lawmakers’ Role and Lame-Duck Session

Steele also criticized the legislative process in Lansing, particularly during the lame-duck session, where Democrats maintain control until December 31. She expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in approving additional funding for these projects.

“There’s talk of $50 million for the copper mine near the Porcupine Mountains and even more funding for the Mundy Township site,” she said. “This is all taxpayer money. Why is it being handed out without clear oversight or public benefit?”

Steele noted that some township officials feel powerless to oppose these projects due to legal intimidation tactics.

“They’re told they could be sued if they try to stop a project,” she said. “It’s a fear tactic that prevents meaningful resistance.”

Broader Implications for Small Businesses and Residents

Steele argued that the MEDC’s practices favor large corporations while leaving small businesses behind.

“Small business owners are wondering why they’re excluded from these incentives,” she said. “The money should be going directly to small businesses or Michigan residents, not to corporations with massive endowments or questionable track records.”

For example, the University of Michigan recently requested $100 million in state funding despite having a $19 billion endowment.

“It’s insulting,” Steele said. “Why is taxpayer money going to institutions that clearly don’t need it?”

Optimism Amid Challenges

Despite these challenges, Steele remains optimistic about Michigan’s future.

“I’m encouraged by the tenacity of Michigan residents,” she said. “People are waking up, relying more on independent media, and starting one-on-one conversations about these issues. There’s an energy for change, and I think we’re finally ready to take the reins and demand accountability.”

As the lame-duck session continues, Steele urges citizens to stay informed and engaged. “This is our state, and it’s up to us to shape its future,” she said.

MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS DON’T WANT TO TALK

Thursday night, the Michigan House Labor Committee rammed through several pension re-opening bills that will pile more than $20 billion onto the state’s mountain of pension debt. No actuarial analysis. No public testimony. Not even member questions or statements. “We ran out of time.”