LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – With the advent of Michigan’s campaign to bring more people to the state, the Growing Michigan Together Council is also trying to find ways to do the same.

“Michigan is a welcoming, inclusive state with strong career opportunities for workers and resources for cutting-edge, high-tech industries that will define the future,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our new, national campaign—’You Can in Michigan’—will attract talent and grow our population and economy by sharing our story and showing the nation what we have to offer. From a great quality of life, good cost of living, and strong economic opportunities, there’s something in Michigan for everyone. We have made huge strides to make Michigan a better place to live, work, and invest, and now, we have to go on offense. Let’s go from just believing in Michigan to bragging about Michigan.”

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A rapidly growing job market in the state is the Electric Vehicle sector, something that Governor Gretchen Whitmer has repeatedly advocated for.  A major project in Michigan, the Ford BlueOval Battery Park Plant, proposed to be built in Marshall, has already begun some site preparation before abruptly ceasing construction.

“We’re pausing work, and we’re going to limit spending on construction at Marshall until we’re confident about our ability to competitively run the plant,” a Ford spokesman confirmed in September.

State Representative Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) and Representative Ann Bollin (R-Brighton) are leading a legislative effort to apporpriate as much of the unused fiscal resources from Ford, should the project not follow through.

“With Ford’s decision to pause construction on the BlueOval plant, millions of dollars in state incentives hang in the balance,” said Rep. Lightner, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s prudent to press pause and reconsider how we allocate these resources in light of recent developments. We must safeguard the interests of people throughout Michigan and ensure their hard-earned tax dollars aren’t wasted.”

Under House Bill 5137, $725.3 million would return to the state’s general fund according to Rep. Lightner.  Additionally, Rep. Bollin’s bills, HB 5136 and 5138 would have increased accountability for projects granted funding through Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) funds.

While the state would not be able to recover the $299.7 million already used on site development, the bills could help shift remaining unused funds from SOAR funds back into the general fund.

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“The road improvements intended for the Ford project should not proceed while the company’s commitment remains uncertain,” Lightner said. “Once the situation with Ford is clarified, the state can always revisit these funds in the future. Right now, our focus must be on ensuring fiscal responsibility and providing the people of Michigan with the reassurance that their hard-earned money is being used wisely and efficiently.”

According to Bollin, her plan would improve the accountability of surrounding economic development projects and ensure future funding through SOAR was returned to the general fund when projects were canceled or put on an indefinite hold.

“When taxpayer dollars are invested in economic development projects, we must ensure the initiatives are executed with accountability and transparency,” Bollin said. “These reforms are a crucial step in safeguarding our investments.”

The bills were all referred to the House Committee on Appropriations for further consideration.