LANSING, Mich. -- The vocal battle between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Michigan House Republicans is not letting up, as the October 1 deadline to pass a state budget draws ever nearer.
Benson says the Republican budget plan would force the layoff of more than 400 employees in her department, alone. And also cause long waits at Secretary of State branches.
But Republican State Representative Rachelle Smit of Shelbyville says those claims are a political stunt meant to scare Michigan families. She says the majority of the cuts would be to positions that are currently unfilled or exist only on paper.
Posted below are competing news releases issued by Benson's office and the Michigan GOP:
News release from Michigan House Republicans:
State Rep. Rachelle Smit, Speaker Pro Tem of the House and chair of the House Election Integrity Committee, today blasted Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for spreading false claims about the House-passed budget and its impact on everyday services.
Smit said Benson’s warning that the budget will cause hours-long waits at Secretary of State branches is nothing more than a political stunt meant to scare Michigan families.
The majority of the cuts target phantom employees — 186 positions that are completely unfilled and exist only on paper. In total, the House budget eliminates 240 positions in the Department of State. Of the remainder, 49 are new roles Benson created over the past five years, and just five are unclassified administrative posts that do not serve the public at local branches.
“Secretary Benson is purposefully misleading people,” said Smit, R-Shelbyville. “She knows full well that these cuts don’t touch the frontline workers who actually help Michigan families. Instead of coming clean, she’s trying to protect her own political machine and convince people their services are at risk. That’s dishonest and unacceptable.”
Smit said Benson’s claims about wait times show either a lack of leadership or a deliberate attempt to create chaos.
“If cutting five political appointees really brings the system to its knees, then Benson is either completely incompetent, or she’s manufacturing a crisis on purpose,” Smit said. “Michiganders deserve a Secretary of State who is focused on customer service, but Secretary Benson already has her mind on her gubernational campaign.”
Smit emphasized that House Republicans are focused on cutting waste and protecting taxpayers.
“Families are stretched thin, and they expect us to protect their money. We can’t let politicians waste it on empty positions and vanity projects,” Smit said. “This budget cuts the fat, demands accountability, and ensures every dollar is going to the services people count on. Secretary Benson may not like it, but Michigan taxpayers sure do.”
Here is a news release issued this week by Secretary Benson's office:
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made the following statement on the disastrous budget plan proposed by the Republican-led House of Representatives:
"There are so many calculation errors and inaccurate estimates in the House budget proposal, I can only conclude that it’s not serious. If passed, it would have disastrous consequences not just for our department, but for every person in the state.
“If this budget were to pass, we’d be forced to lay off more than 400 employees – a quarter of our department’s entire staff. That includes employees in our consumer protection divisions – people who make sure auto repair businesses and driving schools follow the law. It includes critical election administration staff, who ensure Michigan’s elections are safe, secure, and accessible. We’d have to close 10% of our branch offices throughout the state, in cities, suburbs, and rural communities.
“What would that mean for Michiganders? A return to hours-long wait times and fewer convenient service options in branch offices. Less oversight of auto repair shops and driving schools would put more dangerous vehicles and drivers on Michigan roads. Millions of dollars in election administration costs would fall on local governments, that would be forced to cut other services they provide to make up the difference.
“There is no valid reason for these irresponsible cuts. This budget is based on wrong numbers and falsehoods, and it will make people’s lives worse.
“Michiganders deserve better. They deserve a serious budget that invests in our state, its families, and its future."
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