Executive budget for 2024 gets a substantial boost from previous years
Inflation, policy changes, increased staffing explain the change
The budget for Michigan’s executive office soared from $4.6 million to $8.9 million between fiscal year 2011-12 and fiscal year 2023-24, a 42% increase when adjusted for inflation.
Some of the increase came from the governor’s office taking over responsibilities from other state office, such as the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. In addition, the Office of Urban Initiatives became part of the governor’s staff in FY 2017-18, which included five full-time equivalent positions.
The executive office increased under former Gov. Rick Snyder, going from $4.6 million in FY 2010-11 to $6.9 million in FY 2018-19. It has increased to $8.9 million since, under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The costs for the executive budget are largely driven by employment costs.
“There are more people in the executive office and the people are getting paid more,” said James Hohman, director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center.
The governor’s office did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.