LANSING, Mich. (WJMN / WBUP) — State Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) announced the formation of the Michigan DOGE Task Force, a legislator-led, citizen-focused group aimed at improving accountability and efficiency within state government.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Michigan GOP using a rare rule in an Appropriations Budget meeting to cut $645 million from prospective projects around the state—a move that caused an uproar among Democratic lawmakers. The cuts were made without debate and are part of the Michigan Republican Party’s ongoing strategy to rein in state government spending and entice Democrats to negotiate future budgets.

The task force will be chaired by DeSana. Its goal is to make government more transparent and responsive to the people it serves, according to a GOP press release.

Inspired by national efforts to reduce the size of government, consolidate departments, and restore trust in public institutions by identifying inefficiencies, the task force aims to promote “responsible, taxpayer-first governance at every level of Michigan’s public sector.”

“Michiganders deserve a government that works for them, not against them,” DeSana said. “The DOGE Task Force will shine a light on what’s broken, cut through the bureaucracy, and push for real reforms that put the people of Michigan first. This initiative is about accountability, transparency, and delivering results.”

DeSana told My UP News’ ABC affiliate WLAJ in Lansing that he wants to review the budgets of all government agencies, with a focus on the state education budget, EGLE, and the Department of Civil Rights.

“Every facet of state government,” said DeSana. “How can we cut state government?”

He said the savings from combining departments and reducing inefficiencies would go back to taxpayers.

The task force draws its name and inspiration from broader national “DOGE” efficiency efforts, but Michigan’s approach is uniquely homegrown and committed to ensuring state government operates efficiently, transparently, and in the best interests of its citizens.

“We are going to listen to the public and pursue solutions that make a real difference,” said DeSana. “At the end of the day, our job is to protect taxpayers and make this government work better for every Michigander.”

The task force is inspired by national efficiency efforts created by Elon Musk at the beginning of President Trump’s second administration.

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