LANSING, MICH. – Today, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Director Marlon Brown released the following statement in response to the House Republicans’ budget proposal.
The proposed House budget, which cuts $69.5 million from the department, would drastically impact LARA’s ability to protect people and promote businesses in Michigan.
“These proposed budget cuts would diminish LARA’s ability to serve Michigan residents and businesses,” said LARA Director Marlon Brown. “Our staff work every day to ensure public safety, facilitate timely licensure, and provide critical services. We remain committed to carrying out this vital work; however, reductions of this magnitude would jeopardize the health and safety of Michiganders.”
The House budget eliminates 271 positions within the department. This means:
- Fewer nursing home inspectors, which keep Michigan’s most vulnerable residents safe by investigating abuse and neglect complaints and completing routine inspections.
- Fewer licensing analysts, which help health care professionals and businesses receive timely licenses, including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other providers.
- Fewer skilled trades professionals and longer wait times for the issuance of construction permits for the built environment across Michigan.
- Slower processing of business license applications and renewals, impacting LLCs, partnerships, and other companies trying to operate in Michigan.
The House budget also makes significant reductions to core services that affect all 10 million Michigan residents, including:
- A $7.4 million reduction in construction code compliance, which would negatively impact elevator safety and reduce skilled trades licensure for electricians, mechanics, plumbers, and code officials.
- A $5.8 million reduction in utility and regulatory oversight which would negatively impact the functions of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
- A $4.6 million reduction in administrative hearings which would negatively impact the state’s ability to adjudicate constituent cases ranging from unemployment appeals to benefit service hearings.
- A $4.6 million reduction in Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) staffing, which would negatively impact timely licensure for bars, restaurants, and retailers, and enforcement related to the Michigan Liquor Code.
- A $1 million reduction in fire prevention services, which would negatively impact the distribution and installation of smoke alarms in homes and businesses.
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