TO THE PRESS: Faye Beydoun MEDC Scandal

This week I joined my fellow State Representatives Slagh, Wortz, Pavlov and State Senator Jim Runestad at a press conference exposing one of the most blatant taxpayer rip-offs in recent Michigan history. The taxpayers of Michigan have been robbed. Twenty million dollars stolen.

Through a politically wired scheme, Faye Beydoun now faces sixteen felony charges for turning a so-called international business accelerator into her own personal account. Over half a million dollars in salary to herself. A forty thousand dollar car. A coffee maker. First class flights. Tunisian rugs. Forged invoices. Apartments for family instead of businesses. Catering for political dinners. Empty reports to the MEDC claiming results that never happened.

This was not economic development. It was a criminal enterprise enabled by insider access. Beydoun did not get this grant by accident. She was a Whitmer appointee to the MEDC board. She bundled donations and hosted fundraisers for the governor and her allies. She and her circle funneled serious money to Governor Whitmer, Secretary Benson, Attorney General Nessel, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, Congresswoman Kristin MacDonald Rivet, and others. They took the checks while this earmark was pushed through and while the money was being drained.

The bottom line is simple. This is what corruption looks like. A donor creates a nonprofit. Days after the budget passes, it bypasses normal review. Taxpayer dollars are treated like a personal ATM. The system protects her until the Detroit News forces the issue and even a Democratic AG has to act against her own people.

Every Democrat on this list needs to return every dollar they received from Beydoun and her network. Today. Not we are looking into it. Not a vague statement. Write the check back to the taxpayers.

Michigan families paying higher bills do not owe luxury items and first class travel to political insiders. We are demanding full transparency. Every email. Every call. Every meeting between Beydoun, the Whitmer administration, the MEDC, and anyone in the legislature who helped push this through. Real oversight. Real consequences. Real reform so this stops once and for all.

The people are watching. Return the money. Own the failure. Or explain to voters why their hard earned tax dollars funded all of this nonsense.

IN COMMITTEE: Billions Wasted via IT Failures

This week the Oversight Subcommittee heard directly from the Auditor General’s staff on their performance audit of IT Contracting at the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. The report paints a disturbing picture of systemic breakdowns in how the state oversees more than six point six billion dollars in taxpayer funded IT contracts.

State Senator Jim Runestad held a strong press conference spotlighting the audit’s most glaring failures. He zeroed in on DTMB’s decision to terminate six IT contracts early between October 2020 and June 2024. All six of these contracts were terminated for convenience even though five of the six had well documented serious vendor performance problems. Senator Runestad rightly demanded answers. Why did DTMB choose the easy way out instead of holding vendors accountable through termination for cause? He also pressed whether DTMB even has a clear written and consistently followed policy for deciding when performance issues justify stronger action. As he noted these are not small contracts. They represent billions of dollars of Michigan taxpayer money. He further asked how many of those underperforming vendors have since received new contracts or change orders from the state. The lack of clear answers only underscores the need for real reform.

During the hearing I asked the Auditor General’s team follow up questions about the same pattern of weak oversight and the risk that failed vendors continue cycling back into state work. The audit found that one hundred fifty six of two hundred eighty seven expected contract monitoring reports, more than half, were never completed for twenty of the twenty four contracts sampled. Without basic monitoring DTMB simply cannot tell whether vendors are delivering what they promised or whether taxpayers are being overcharged. The report also highlighted uncoordinated efforts between contract managers and project teams, missing training for program managers, incomplete cost reporting to the Legislature (state employee payroll costs are left out), and insufficient controls to prevent conflicts of interest in vendor selection.

These are not minor paperwork issues. They are structural failures that waste hundreds of millions of dollars, delay critical IT projects, and leave Michigan families footing the bill for broken systems and unaccountable vendors. Taxpayers deserve better than a government that signs billion dollar contracts and then looks the other way when vendors underperform. The Auditor General’s recommendations are clear. DTMB must implement stronger monitoring, a real contract termination policy that actually holds vendors accountable, better training, and full transparency in cost reporting.

We will continue pressing for full implementation of these reforms and real consequences for repeated failure. Michigan families cannot afford another round of billion dollar IT boondoggles.

Vote Record Update

Since my first day in office, I have upheld my promise to regularly share to the public every single vote I have made with an explanation for each one. This is something done by only 8 of 110 Representatives in Michigan. Accountability can only be achieved when there is transparency. Here’s an update of my votes and reasons:

HB 4694 – Recreational Authorities Act Amendment (Concurrence with Senate Substitute)

PASSED: 103–2 – Voted: YES

This bill amends the Recreational Authorities Act (2000 PA 321) to update provisions on bonds, fees, assessments, and authority operations, incorporating the Senate substitute (S-1) for greater local flexibility.

I voted YES to concur with the Senate substitute. These changes give local communities more practical tools to fund and manage parks, trails, and recreational facilities without heavy state mandates. Supporting responsible local control helps families enjoy Michigan’s outdoors while protecting taxpayer dollars.

HB 5281 – Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency and Regulation

PASSED: 60–45 – Voted: YES

This bill creates a new act to regulate third-party litigation funding transactions. It requires full disclosures, mandates registration and fees for funders, establishes clear responsibilities for litigation funding companies and attorneys, provides civil remedies, and includes strong guardrails against foreign adversary funding or improper control over lawsuits.

I voted YES because hidden investors — sometimes foreign entities — should not secretly bankroll lawsuits to distort justice for profit. This commonsense reform brings transparency to the courtroom, protects everyday Michiganders from predatory litigation tactics, and ensures cases are decided on merit, not by outside money.

HB 5644 – Michigan Vehicle Code Amendments

PASSED: 105–0 – Voted: YES

This bill amends sections 19a, 675, 803d, and 803h of the Michigan Vehicle Code (1949 PA 300), as amended, concerning parking regulations, special plates, and related enforcement provisions (with committee substitute H-2).

I voted YES on this unanimous, bipartisan measure. Updating vehicle code rules for parking and plates improves safety, enforcement, and fairness on our roads without adding new burdens on drivers. Practical tweaks like these keep Michigan moving efficiently while respecting law-abiding citizens.

HB 5710 – Public Service Commission / Utility Rate Regulation Updates

PASSED: 58–47 – Voted: YES

This bill amends sections 6a, 6l, 6m, and 6t of the Public Service Commission Act (1939 PA 3), as amended, regarding utility rate cases, automatic adjustment clauses, and oversight (with committee substitute H-1).

I voted YES to advance responsible utility regulation that demands greater accountability from electric and gas providers. Families are already squeezed by high energy costs — these changes promote fiscal discipline at the PSC, reduce unnecessary rate hikes, and protect ratepayers from unchecked utility spending.

HB 5711 – Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act Amendments

PASSED: 57–48 – Voted: YES

This bill amends the title and multiple sections of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act (2008 PA 295), including updates to renewable standards, energy waste reduction, and related provisions (with committee substitute H-3 and title amendment).

I voted YES because Michigan needs balanced energy policy that prioritizes reliability and affordability over unrealistic mandates. These amendments modernize the law to reflect real-world grid needs, support practical energy sources, and prevent costly overreach that drives up utility bills for working families.

HB 4551 – Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act Amendment

PASSED: 56-49 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 3 of the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act (1965 PA 203), as amended by 2016 PA 289, to update standards and training requirements for law enforcement officers.

I voted YES to strengthen professional standards and training for Michigan’s law enforcement. Clear, consistent requirements help ensure our officers are equipped to serve communities safely and effectively while upholding the rule of law.

HB 4839 – Social Welfare Act Amendment

PASSED: 63-43 – Voted: YES

This bill adds section 109z to the Social Welfare Act (1939 PA 280) to strengthen program integrity and eligibility safeguards in public assistance programs.

I voted YES because Michigan taxpayers deserve strong protections against fraud and abuse in our welfare system. This targeted update ensures limited resources reach those who truly need them, preventing waste and maintaining public trust in essential safety-net programs.

HB 5331 – Management and Budget Act Amendment (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)

PASSED: 57-45 – Voted: YES

This bill adds section 261g to the Management and Budget Act (1984 PA 431) to support state coordination and budgeting for unmanned aircraft systems, including geofencing and related public safety measures.

I spoke on the House floor in strong support of my legislation. We cannot allow Communist China-linked technology into our public safety, infrastructure, or government fleets. These bills put Michigan first by prioritizing American-made or trusted-ally equipment, closing security loopholes, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars from adversaries who seek to spy on or undermine us.

HB 5329 – Management and Budget Act Amendment (Unmanned Aircraft Systems / Drone Geofencing)

PASSED: 57-49 – Voted: YES

This bill adds section 261g to the Management and Budget Act (1984 PA 431) to advance state budgeting and operational support for unmanned aircraft systems regulations and public safety initiatives.

I spoke on the House floor in strong support of this legislation. I voted YES to protect Michigan’s skies and communities from unchecked drone threats. These commonsense reforms prioritize public safety, privacy, and responsible innovation while cutting through bureaucratic red tape.

House Resolution 313 – Urging Transparency from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Southern Poverty Law Center Operations

PASSED: 56–50 – Voted: YES

This resolution urges Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to release all information in her possession regarding the Southern Poverty Law Center’s operations, including alleged payments to individuals associated with extremist groups, and to address her prior leadership role with the organization.

I spoke on the House floor urging full transparency. I voted YES because elected officials must be held to the highest standard of openness. Serious federal allegations involving the SPLC and misuse of donor funds demand honest answers — especially from someone who served on its board. Michiganders deserve sunlight, not secrecy.

HB 5636 – Michigan Memorial Highway Act Amendment

PASSED: 104–0 – Voted: YES

This bill amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act (2001 PA 142) by adding section 123 to designate a portion of Telegraph Road (US-24) as the “Deputy Claude Wilson Memorial Highway.”

I voted YES on this unanimous, bipartisan measure. Memorial designations are a cost-free way to honor the service and sacrifice of Michigan’s law enforcement officers and first responders. Deputy Wilson’s dedication to public safety deserves this lasting recognition, which strengthens community respect for those who protect us every day.

HB 4935 – Public Health Code Amendment (Dentist & Dental Hygienist Compact)

PASSED: 94–10 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 16601 of the Public Health Code (1978 PA 368) and adds new sections to enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing licensed dentists and hygienists from participating states to practice in Michigan under a streamlined compact privilege.

I voted YES to improve access to affordable dental care for Michigan families. By joining this interstate compact, we reduce bureaucratic barriers for qualified out-of-state providers without lowering safety or licensing standards. More providers mean shorter wait times, lower costs, and better oral health outcomes for working families across the state.

HB 4779 – Public Health Code Amendment (Surgical Smoke Plume Evacuation)

PASSED: 96–8 – Voted: YES

This bill amends the Public Health Code (1978 PA 368) by adding section 20187, requiring health facilities that perform surgical procedures to implement a surgical smoke plume evacuation plan to protect staff and patients from hazardous surgical smoke.

I voted YES because workplace safety in our hospitals and surgical centers must be taken seriously. Surgical smoke contains toxic chemicals, viruses, and particulates that can harm surgeons, nurses, and patients. This common-sense requirement protects health care workers without imposing heavy new mandates on facilities.

HB 5797 – State School Aid Act Amendment (Inclement Weather Relief)

PASSED: 99–5 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 101 of the State School Aid Act (1979 PA 94) to provide targeted relief from minimum pupil instruction day penalties for schools affected by severe inclement weather (specifically addressing missed days in March 2026 for qualifying districts).

I voted YES to give schools flexibility during extreme weather events beyond their control. Michigan winters can be unpredictable — this targeted exception prevents unfair funding penalties while still holding districts accountable for making up instructional time where possible. Students and families should not be punished for acts of nature.

HB 5744 – Michigan Penal Code Amendment (Discharging Firearm at Vehicle)

PASSED: 79–24 – Voted: YES

This bill amends the Michigan Penal Code (1931 PA 328) by adding section 234g to establish felony penalties for intentionally discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle known or reasonably believed to be occupied (with enhanced fines if a minor is inside).

I voted YES to crack down on reckless and dangerous gun violence that endangers innocent drivers, passengers, and families on our roads. Michigan law already prohibits this behavior, but these stronger, targeted penalties send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated. Public safety demands accountability for those who put lives at risk.

HB 5745 – Code of Criminal Procedure Amendment (Sentencing Guidelines)

PASSED: 75–28 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 16m of the Code of Criminal Procedure (1927 PA 175) to update sentencing guidelines consistent with the new offense created in HB 5744 (intentionally discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle).

I voted YES to ensure our sentencing framework properly reflects the serious nature of this crime. When someone fires into a moving vehicle, they are endangering lives — these guidelines help courts deliver proportionate justice while protecting victims and communities.

SB 729 – State Building Authority Act Amendment (Bond Cap Exemption)

PASSED: 96–7 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 8 of the State Building Authority Act (1964 PA 183) to exempt specific 2026 refunding bonds from the statutory debt cap, preserving bonding capacity for essential state, university, and community college projects.

I voted YES to maintain fiscal flexibility for critical infrastructure without raising the overall debt limit. This technical adjustment prevents an artificial squeeze on needed capital projects while ensuring taxpayer-backed bonds are managed responsibly.