Monroe Review

The Michigan Legislature Working Group for National Security has voiced its disappointment following the House Democrats' rejection of a Republican budget amendment. This amendment, aimed at implementing state and national security measures, was intended to influence Michigan’s Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) budget.

The proposed amendment sought to address concerns over the allocation of State Opportunities and Accountability Reserve (SOAR) funds. The working group stated, “This important change would have enhanced fiscal responsibility by ensuring SOAR funds are not channeled towards entities associated with 'countries of concern' as designated by the U.S. Department of State. For the safety and security of Michigan residents, any project seeking SOAR funding should require thorough overview to evaluate any potential foreign affiliations."

The group also expressed concerns about the allocation of taxpayer dollars to projects such as the Gotion battery plant. They stressed that public funds need robust oversight mechanisms, stating, "Those taxpayer dollars should never have been handed to that project. This is why our state must utilize robust oversight mechanisms. The budget passed today lacked crucial security enhancements for the SOAR fund."

The working group members expressed their deep disappointment over the second rejection of this critical security measure, emphasizing that it is essential to protect Michigan from threats posed by adversarial nations and oppose partnerships with countries of concern.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously warned states and local governments about credible threats posed by China's government to U.S. national and economic security. The Michigan Legislature’s Working Group for National Security supports state-level policies designed to safeguard cybersecurity and the economy from clandestine incursions against consumer information and trade secrets.

The Michigan Legislature Working Group for National Security is a bicameral body composed of representatives and senators advocating for stronger protections against foreign influence. Its members include Reps. William Bruck (R-Monroe), Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), David Martin (R-Grand Blanc), Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), and Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater).