SE Oakland News

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt has criticized the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) following recent reports of a state lease deal awarded to a company owned by a donor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Detroit Free Press reported that Lakeshore Global Michigan Rehabilitation, whose owner is a campaign donor to Whitmer, received a lease for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to move 14 employees. Additionally, The Detroit News noted allegations that the governor’s office worked with the MEDC on a $20 million grant for another campaign donor.

“This is not an isolated incident. It’s a symptom of a much larger problem,” said Nesbitt, R-Porter Township. “The system is rigged to serve the governor’s friends at the expense of hardworking taxpayers, and it has to end.”

Nesbitt stated that these events show ongoing issues with management and oversight in state government under Governor Whitmer. He called again for creating the Michigan Department of Government Efficiency (MI DOGE), which would independently audit agencies, investigate misconduct, and improve transparency.

“The MEDC has become a hub for waste and favoritism,” Nesbitt said. “This latest scandal is just the tip of the iceberg. How many more backroom deals are waiting to be uncovered?”

“Michigan families deserve a government that prioritizes their needs — not one that rewards insiders and political donors,” Nesbitt said. “We need MI DOGE to stop this cycle of waste, fraud and abuse.”

Nesbitt has promoted MI DOGE as necessary for restoring public trust and protecting taxpayers.

“We can’t keep turning a blind eye to these scandals,” Nesbitt said. “MI DOGE is a chance to clean up Lansing, hold those in power accountable and build a government that works for the people.”