Good news: economists project the national economy will accelerate in 2026 thanks to pro-growth policies from Republican leadership in Washington. The federal economy has remained resilient, growing 2.1% overall, with stronger growth ahead.

So why is Michigan’s state government facing a $1.2 billion revenue shortfall?

Because for too long, Lansing has spent money on programs that don’t work. This week’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference made that crystal clear: while America’s economy strengthens, Michigan’s fiscal house remains a mess.

Here’s what most people don’t know: earlier this year, House Republicans forced $801 million in cuts to waste, fraud, and abuse from the state budget. Without those cuts, next year’s shortfall would be even worse. We cut the fat so families wouldn’t have to pay for Lansing’s appetite.

Now we need to cut another $723 million to balance next year’s budget, with potentially $900 million more the year after. Some in Lansing will cry crisis. I see opportunity.

Every failing program we eliminate is a tax increase we prevent. Every wasteful contract we cancel is money that stays in your pocket instead of feeding Lansing bureaucrats. Every dollar of fraud we stop is a dollar that can fund schools, fix roads, or come back to you.

Michigan families are already dealing with higher costs for groceries and gas. They don’t need Lansing adding to their burden with tax hikes to fund dysfunction.

While Washington’s Republican leadership creates conditions for growth, Michigan House Republicans are making sure that growth benefits you—not a bloated state government that’s forgotten who it works for.

Washington is building economic momentum. Lansing needs to stop dragging Michigan down. Core services are protected. Broken programs and wasteful spending aren’t. House Republicans will keep cutting the fat so you don’t have to pay for Lansing’s dysfunction. That’s leadership.