Joseph Fox, Michigan State Representative for the 101st District | Michigan House Republicans
Joseph Fox, Michigan State Representative for the 101st District | Michigan House Republicans
State Representative Joe Fox has announced the approval of Michigan’s new state budget, which he says will reduce government waste and bureaucracy while supporting rural communities.
Fox, a Republican from Fremont, described the budget as a significant step toward accountability in Lansing. “This budget reins in wasteful spending and puts the focus back where it belongs — on the people of Michigan,” Fox said. “We’re cutting bureaucracy, getting rid of ghost employees, and making sure taxpayer dollars go toward services that actually help families and communities.”
The approved budget includes several reforms. Among them is the elimination of 2,000 so-called “ghost employees”—positions within government departments that are never filled but still receive funding. According to Fox, these unfilled roles have allowed departments to create surplus funds from taxpayer money.
Additionally, about $1 billion in permanent cuts will be made to state departments by identifying efficiencies and reducing support for programs deemed wasteful. The savings are intended to be redirected to areas such as road maintenance and education.
The plan also addresses spending on unused office space. With many state employees working remotely, taxpayers have continued to pay for leased office buildings that remain empty. The new budget introduces stricter oversight of employee work arrangements and aims to end unnecessary leases.
Another provision allocates $250 million in grants to rural hospitals with the goal of keeping them operational and improving healthcare access in rural parts of Michigan.
Furthermore, the budget mandates an independent audit of procedures at the Secretary of State’s office. Fox noted ongoing criticism and legal challenges regarding directives from this office and pointed out that it is currently resisting a subpoena for information.
“This budget is about the priorities of the people I represent and the community we call home,” Fox said. “We’re protecting taxpayers, supporting rural healthcare, and demanding accountability from every corner of state government. That’s what people sent me to Lansing to fight for, and that’s what the people of Michigan deserve.”
The legislation was passed by the state House on October 3 and signed into law on October 7.
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