Nationwide GOP group dings Dems for Michigan funds with DEI funding

A nationwide GOP group has blasted Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on FY 2024 funds, notably on variety, fairness and inclusion spending. 

The assault from the Republican State Management Committee (RSLC), which works to elect GOP state lawmakers throughout the nation, echoes different GOP criticism of DEI or “woke” packages in training and authorities, like from 2024 presidential candidates former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

The RSLC assertion got here on Thursday earlier than Whitmer signed what it referred to as the “huge” $24.3 billion Fiscal 12 months (FY) College Help funds in Suttons Bay. She has not signed the overall omnibus funds handed by the Democratic-led Legislature but.

In Suttons Bay, Whitmer indicators historic $24B training funds

“The signing comes as Democrats in Lansing handed their document $82 billion funds final month, that fully drains a $9 billion surplus whereas making the federal government greater. Why are Democrats extra involved with meaningless pork spending than offering a greater future for our kids?” stated RSLC spokesperson Mason DiPalma.

Michigan Democratic Get together spokesperson Tommy Kubitschek stated the “radical GOP” is standing in the way in which of progress.

“Democrats are delivering the longer term for Michigan households throughout the state by reducing prices and investing in an training system that may give everybody an opportunity to thrive,” stated Kubitschek. “In the meantime, Republicans are placing their MAGA Republican agenda first, and have voted towards bettering our colleges, reducing prices for the center class, and defending our basic rights. If anybody is driving folks away, it’s the novel GOP.”

The RSLC additionally centered on two DEI line gadgets that it referred to as “egregious”: $161,000 for a state government-funded Range, Fairness, and Inclusion summit and $218,000 for a new DEI officer within the Secretary of State.

“Nearly 200 days after Democrats in Lansing promised to ship a greater future for hardworking Michiganders, they’ve taken it upon themselves to empty a $9 billion surplus to move a liberal want listing that strikes Michigan backward,” stated DiPalma. “Democrats are out of contact with actuality and whereas the folks of Michigan proceed to battle the consequences of excessive costs from inflation, Democrats are extra centered on insurance policies that drive folks out of Michigan.” 

Cheri Hardmon, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s senior press secretary, affirmed the division’s intent to convey on a DEI officer. 

“The core of the Michigan Division of State’s mission is to make sure we meet each particular person the place they’re and supply state authorities companies that work for them,” Hardmon stated. “As a part of that precept, and to uphold the requirements outlined within the Governor’s Govt Directive 2019-09, the Division is bringing on a DEI Officer and investing in coaching for our crew members. We’ll proceed to determine and eradicate any obstacles that stop Michiganders from accessing important companies or equal employment alternatives on the Division of State.”