Following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, state Rep. Pat Outman, chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said Michigan must build on last year’s progress by focusing on responsible spending and affordability.

During her address, the governor highlighted significant investments in road funding and tax cuts passed last year. Outman noted those accomplishments became reality because House Republicans built the plan, negotiated hard, and delivered the votes needed to get them signed into law.

“For years, ‘fix the damn roads’ was a slogan without a serious plan behind it,” said Outman, R-Six Lakes. “House Republicans developed the long-term funding solution that delivers a $2 billion annual investment to fix local and county roads and ensures the taxes drivers pay at the pump go directly toward road improvements. It’s amazing what can happen when you replace a slogan with a strategy. I’m glad we could help bring that long-promised goal across the finish line.”

Outman said that same results-focused approach also guided last year’s tax relief efforts, which are already helping Michigan families keep more of what they earn. House Republicans eliminated state taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security, building on federal tax relief secured by President Trump. The change will save about 300,000 tipped workers roughly $1,500 per year, allow 500,000 workers to keep about $2,000 more in overtime earnings, and help nearly 40,000 seniors save around $500 in state taxes.

“That kind of savings makes a real difference. It means families can keep more of what they earn and have a little extra breathing room each month,” Outman said. “That was a first step, and we’re just getting started.”

While Outman said he appreciated the governor discussing affordability, he stressed that new government programs and higher spending levels aren’t the right way to lower costs for Michigan families.

“Families in our communities are budgeting carefully every month just to keep up with groceries, rent, gas and utility bills,” Outman said. “They expect Lansing to do the same.”

Outman added that House Republicans laid out a clear roadmap last year for responsible budgeting by cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in wasteful spending and eliminating more than 2,000 ghost employee positions from the state payroll.

“Those savings allowed us to fund priorities people actually depend on, including long-term road funding, public safety initiatives, and record support for local schools.” Outman said.

Building on that foundation, Outman said he and his Republican colleagues are advancing a broad affordability agenda that includes comprehensive property tax relief for all Michigan residents, efforts to lower utility costs, and proposals aimed at making housing more attainable by reducing regulatory barriers.

“We’ve shown what can be done when you cut waste and focus on core priorities,” Outman said. “That’s the approach we will continue using to lower costs, protect taxpayers and deliver results that Michigan families can see and feel.”