Millions in taxpayer dollars were meant to help Michigan attract international entrepreneurs and boost local business. Instead, they were allegedly funneled into luxury travel, high-end dining, and first-class airline tickets—all under the watch of politically connected insiders.

Now, an embezzlement investigation is underway. But this isn’t just about one person or one nonprofit. It’s about how $20 million in public funds was allocated with little oversight, no competitive process, and almost no safeguards. The warning signs were there—and yet the system failed.

We can’t let this happen again.

That’s why we’re calling on Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to establish an independent, nonpartisan oversight body to review large state earmarks and grants—especially those awarded outside of competitive bidding. This new watchdog must have the authority to:

• Audit grant recipients before and after funds are disbursed
• Review potential conflicts of interest
• Ensure transparency in how public money is spent

If public dollars can be redirected by insiders without oversight, it undermines trust in government—regardless of party. Every dollar misused is a dollar not going to schools, roads, small businesses, or communities that actually need it.

Michigan voters deserve more than apologies after the fact. We deserve safeguards that prevent this kind of abuse in the first place.

Add your name if you believe it’s time to bring real accountability to how taxpayer money is spent in Michigan.