Rep. Jenkins-Arno (R-Rollin Township) 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.

“For too long, undisclosed earmarks have been a part of the budget making process in Lansing. Millions of taxpayer dollars for pet projects that don’t have statewide value have been slipped into the budget at the last-minute, making accountability difficult. These new house rules will bring much needed transparency to the process.”

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.