Hall Tells GOP Activists He's Hopeful Gov Won't Shutdown, But Blames Senate Dems If It Does

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/19/2025) (MACKINAC ISLAND) – House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) says he's hopeful the state government won't shutdown after September. But if it does, "it will be because of Senate Democrats standing up and defending waste, fraud and abuse in this state budget."

Hall provided a keynote address on Saturday to the Michigan Republican Leadership Conference, taking place biennially on Mackinac Island inside the historic Grand Hotel. If a budget agreement isn't reached and implemented in time for Oct. 1, the start of the state's new fiscal year, the state government could enter a shutdown.

During such a period, the Governor would be responsible for determining what government services and jobs are essential and should continue, and what should be paused.

In front of party activists, Hall accused Senate Democrats of wanting to shut down the government because they don't want to change the process of disclosing legislators' special project proposals ahead of budgets being voted on.

"We're going to end the pork spending and the earmarks without disclosure. We're going to stop the ghost employees. We're going to end the waste, fraud and abuse in the state government," Hall said.

He said he was going back to Lansing tonight to continue "fighting for all of you."

On Sept. 16, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) accused Hall of pulling away during budget-making and new road funding conversations when "pen is being put to paper" on final agreements.