North Michigan News

State Rep. Greg Markkanen, from Hancock, has criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposal to significantly reduce funding for the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). Markkanen expressed his concerns, stating, “In a year where the state is seemingly able to throw money at everything that moves, the governor needs to explain why she’s proposing cutting the only executive agency that safeguards taxpayers’ dollars.”

Markkanen emphasized the importance of the OAG in uncovering issues within state agencies, saying, “Yoopers already don’t trust the governor. She is not doing herself any favors by defunding the OAG." He further highlighted the role of the Auditor General in holding government accountable, stating, “We need the Auditor General to ensure that Democrat leadership cannot run roughshod with our tax dollars in smoke-filled backrooms under the cover of darkness."

The proposed budget cut by Governor Whitmer has raised concerns about the OAG's ability to carry out essential audits. Auditor General Doug Ringler raised alarm about the funding reduction potentially hindering the OAG's audit requirements and even jeopardizing federal funding.

Markkanen concluded by criticizing the governor's approach to governance, asserting, “She has shown zero ability to effectively govern over Michigan without allowing widespread fraud and mismanagement to run rampant right under her nose. Now is a time to make government more transparent and effective, not fire the auditors.”