A Research Council review of the Fiscal Year 2024 “omnibus” budget bill revealed that out of $1.3 billion in sponsored earmarks – frequently called “pet projects” or “pork” — about 65 percent were “eleventh-hour earmarks” that appeared only in the final bill – not in the Executive Budget or the House- or Senate-passed budget bills. The legislature should move to improve transparency and vetting by providing upfront details on sponsored earmarks and by respecting legislative rules that should prohibit these eleventh-hour earmarks.

Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc Speaks with Senior Analyst Bob Schneider. If you liked this podcast, read Bob’s blog to learn more.