Michigan Court to Decide on Blocking Attorney General’s Opinion on State Grants
A Michigan Court of Claims judge has scheduled a hearing for Friday to determine whether to halt an official opinion from the state attorney general that reinstated $645 million in state grants for multi-year projects that were previously cut by a GOP-controlled House committee.
The dispute arose when Michigan House Republicans took legal action against 16 state departments, challenging the legality of a formal opinion issued by Attorney General Dana Nessel. The opinion allowed for the resumption of funding for various programs, including prenatal and newborn initiatives, museums, symphonies, and efforts related to the Flint water crisis.
Attorney General Nessel’s opinion stated that the House Appropriations Committee, led by GOP members, could not unilaterally make budget cuts without the approval of the entire Legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She deemed such actions as an unconstitutional “legislative veto.”
The hearing, set to be presided over by Court of Claims Judge Michael Gadola on Friday morning, will consider a request to pause grant spending for 14 days while the legal proceedings unfold.
Reactions to the Legal Battle
House Speaker Matt Hall criticized Nessel’s opinion, calling it “poorly reasoned and partisan.” He emphasized the need to curb unnecessary spending and ensure better utilization of taxpayers’ money through the lawsuit.
Conversely, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks expressed concern over the abrupt cuts affecting community organizations in both Democratic and Republican districts, noting the surprise and damage caused by the swift actions.
Despite the ongoing legal challenge, the state has been able to continue disbursing the grants as per the attorney general’s legally binding opinion. The exact amount of funds spent from the $645 million remains undisclosed as of now.
