Great Lakes Wire

New House Appropriations Committee Chair Ann Bollin and Majority Vice Chair Matt Maddock have been named by Speaker Matt Hall to take on significant roles within the committee. During a press conference, Hall expressed the need for strong representation against Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and State Budget Director Jen Flood.

"Somebody has to go back and look at (the budget) and try to find some value for the taxpayers," Hall stated, emphasizing his stance on fiscal responsibility.

In an unexpected move, Hall announced Rep. Alabas Farhat as minority vice chair of the committee. "I don’t know if we told him that, yet," Hall admitted during the announcement. This decision surprised many within Farhat's caucus, who had recommended Rep. Will Snyder for the position.

Hall acknowledged receiving interest from several Democratic members for the post but remained firm in his choice of Farhat. He criticized Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri's approach to leadership and reiterated that fixing roads without raising taxes would be a priority.

Bollin commented on budget management saying it will be a “principle budget, not a political budget.” She warned against unnecessary spending despite recent revenue reports indicating surplus funds.

During discussions about potential changes in committee rules, Hall expressed concerns over transparency issues with earmarks proposed by Democrats. "A lot of people think I should leak this document...but all you people in the press know, I am not a leaker," he said.

Matt Maddock praised Hall's oversight efforts stating, "There’s gonna be oversight like you’ve never seen in this town in probably 50 years."

The session concluded with Puri reaffirming confidence in his caucus' process for committee recommendations despite internal surprises over Farhat's appointment. The incident recalled past instances where minority leader recommendations were bypassed.