LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Since Dana Nessel took office Jan. 1, 2019, the Attorney General’s department has expanded significantly.

The AG’s office has grown from 509 employees in 2018-19 to 670 employees as of 2023-24, according to a report from the state of Michigan. That 32% expansion includes part-time and seasonal employees. The Senate Fiscal Agency reports that the AG’s office has increased from 531 full-time equivalents to 605.4 over that five year period.

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The increase in staffing has led to a big increase in spending. The AG’s budget has jumped 35% from 2019-20 to 2023-24, going from $106 million to $143.4 million, 35% increase not adjusted for inflation.

Just three months into her job, Nessel created a Hate Crimes Unit in 2019 within the Criminal Division of her department. In March 2023, the AG’s office hired a “Head of the Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit.”