Following the 2026 State of the State address, House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, outlined her commitment to continuing bipartisan work to deliver real results for Michigan families while standing firm against policies that would raise costs or expand government unnecessarily.

Bollin said she is hopeful lawmakers can continue working with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and federal partners to build on recent accomplishments that have already provided meaningful relief.

“Over the past year, the House has led the way in delivering solutions through the state budget that directly address the biggest concerns I hear from families in Livingston County and across Michigan,” Bollin said. “We’ve proven that when we focus on priorities and cut waste, we can provide real relief without asking taxpayers to pay more.”

Under Bollin’s leadership as Appropriations Chair, the House advanced a budget focused on tax relief, public safety, education, and infrastructure.

Bollin sponsored and led the effort to eliminate state taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits, building on similar action taken at the federal level. The tax cuts are expected to save tipped workers an average of $1,500 per year, workers earning overtime about $2,000 per year, and seniors collecting Social Security roughly $500 per year.

“We’re letting people keep more of what they earn,” Bollin said. “That’s how you help families deal with rising costs, not by growing government but by shrinking the tax burden.”

The budget also restored school safety and mental health funding and continued record investments in education, ensuring schools have the resources they need while refocusing attention on student outcomes. House Republicans also passed legislation to remove cell phones from classrooms to help students refocus on learning.

In addition, House Republicans introduced Michigan’s first comprehensive roads plan in November 2024 and successfully negotiated it into law. The plan fixes local roads and bridges, supports or creates 22,000 construction jobs, and does so without raising taxes on drivers.

Bollin also led efforts to eliminate $800 million in waste, fraud, and abuse from the state budget, redirecting tax dollars toward priorities like roads, public safety, and classrooms.

To further protect taxpayers, Bollin spearheaded the House Ethics Accountability and Transparency (HEAT) plan, now law, establishing Michigan’s strongest transparency standards for state spending. The reforms expose bad actors, prevent backroom deals, and ensure public visibility into every state grant awarded.

“Taxpayers want to know exactly where their money is going,” Bollin said. “The HEAT plan brings unprecedented transparency and accountability to state government, exposes waste and corruption, and helps restore trust. We all want to make sure that Lansing is working for the people of Michigan, not special interest groups.”

Bollin said there is more work to be done and outlined key priorities for the year ahead. She is committed to ensuring health care in Michigan is accessible and affordable while protecting the most vulnerable residents. She also supports reforms to shield families from aggressive medical debt collection practices during times of crisis.

“No family should be pushed into financial ruin because of a sudden health emergency,” Bollin said. “We have been working on solutions to protect people and help them get back on their feet.”

Lowering costs remains a top priority. The House is working on a comprehensive property tax relief plan that would deliver savings to all Michigan families while also reducing monthly electric and gas bills.

Bollin is also working to cut red tape and roll back burdensome regulations that prevent Michigan businesses from expanding, hiring, and competing.

While Bollin said she remains committed to collaboration, she voiced concerns about the governor’s proposals to increase taxes and fees, as well as strict energy mandates that are driving up costs for families.

Earlier this month, the governor proposed approximately $800 million in new taxes. Bollin noted that last year she worked to eliminate $800 million in wasteful spending to protect taxpayers.

“That is a clear difference in priorities,” Bollin said. “I believe we should tighten our belts and eliminate waste before asking families to pay more. I will continue fighting to protect taxpayers.”