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State Rep. Matthew Bierlein has voiced strong criticism towards Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposal to significantly reduce funding for the nonpartisan Office of the Auditor General (OAG). Bierlein, representing Vassar, expressed his concerns about the potential impact of this budget cut on government transparency, as reported on March 27, 2024.

Bierlein emphasized the importance of the OAG, stating, “This office is a tremendous resource for people and taxpayers throughout the state who want to know programs and departments within state government are working as intended.” He further condemned the governor's decision, stating, “It is extremely troubling that on the heels of multiple bad performance reviews, the governor is pushing to limit what this office would get in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. That’s not rooted in government transparency. It’s a poor attempt to project better imagery.”

Recent audits conducted by the OAG have revealed significant issues within the Whitmer administration, including fraud and improper payments, unreported deaths in long-term care facilities, and inefficiencies in various departments. Auditor General Doug Ringler warned that a 28% funding reduction, as proposed by the governor, would severely hinder the OAG's ability to fulfill audit requirements and could jeopardize federal funding.

Bierlein criticized the budget cut in light of increasing state spending, stating, “It’s amazing that as state spending continues to swell, this plan from Gov. Whitmer would cut independent efforts that help ensure greater transparency in government.” He highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency in government to uphold people's trust.

In his efforts to promote transparency, Bierlein has supported House Bills 5422-27, aiming to enhance transparency requirements under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and streamline the process for accessing government records. These bills, co-sponsored by Bierlein, seek to expand FOIA to encompass the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature, aligning Michigan with other states in terms of open records regulations.

The legislative package proposed by Bierlein is currently being reviewed by the House Government Operations Committee, reflecting his ongoing commitment to fostering a more open and accessible government for the benefit of Michigan residents.