Whitmer Still Hasn't Called Hall On Work Project Denials

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 12/19/2025) Others may be waiting to see if Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attempts to legally challenge the law the House Appropriations Committee used to deny $644 million in work projects last week, but House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) said Thursday he hasn't heard that the Governor is going to do anything to push back.

Whitmer has stayed publicly quiet about the cuts since they took place and Hall said he hasn't heard from the Governor either. The Governor has not answered an in-state reporter's question on the work project cuts since they happened nine days ago.

“The Governor and I have great communication, so typically, if they were going to do something, I think they would have told me, but we haven't spoken,” Hall said. “That's one of the things I really compliment her on. When they're going to make a big move, they almost always call me and tell me.”

In this case, they have not reached out, he said.

While the Governor has remained quiet on any plans they may have in challenging the statute, Hall has not been quiet. He said the stranger part of the law in question is that the Governor, not the legislature and its power of the purse, can extend funding past one year.

“We're on very solid footing,” he said. “My guess is if the Governor's team is looking at that, they'll come to the same conclusion, which is why they haven't said anything to me about that.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) and Sen. Sue Shink (D-Dexter) on Friday spotlighted how the work project denials are having negative consequences in their districts.

Since the funding was stopped Dec. 10, two renovation projects have been halted midstream, creating big problems.

In Inkster, staff at the Dozier Community Center arrived Friday morning to discover new damage caused by a leaking roof. The state funding was meant to help repair that roof and prevent further deterioration. Construction was scheduled to begin on Dec. 15, but was halted following the House GOP committee vote. Thursday night brought some heavy rain, increasing the risk of mold, structural damage, and service disruptions for residents who rely on the center, Polehanki said.

“The community center has suffered catastrophic damage after last night’s heavy rainfall. Our community is devastated, and I am furious that my constituents are caught in the direct crossfire of Matt Hall’s reckless, unconscionable actions,” she said.

In Jackson, the Hayes Hotel — a formally recognized historic landmark — also suffered significant weather-related damage following the stop to construction due to the loss of state funds. Ice has accumulated inside the building, compounding existing deterioration and putting an irreplaceable piece of Michigan history at risk. Any further delays in restoration can quickly turn repairable damage into permanent loss.

“I am disgusted by Matt Hall and House Republicans’ grossly negligent cuts, thwarting the years-long development and revitalization of the Hayes Hotel,” Shink said. “This project would not only provide Jackson residents with a new place to live, but also local businesses and restaurants that stimulate our community and economy. House Republicans would rather let a historic building rot than support a bright future for Jackson and other communities across the state.”