Posted on 02/23/2025 4:12:02 PM PST by george76
Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (Mich.) faces scrutiny after it was revealed that her administration awarded political appointees thousands of dollars in bonuses. Critics are questioning the timing and transparency of these payments, particularly as many residents continue to grapple with the economic challenges of inflation brought on by the Biden administration. The controversy has sparked concerns about using taxpayer money and whether these bonuses were justified amid budget constraints.
According to records obtained by the Free Press under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, Whitmer paid over $145,000 in bonuses to 15 of her cabinet members and department directors in 2024 as part of a "performance pay" program for high-ranking civil servants that has since expanded to include political appointees.
This unusual move has raised questions about whether these bonuses were intended to incentivize political loyalty, aligning appointees with Whitmer’s Democratic agenda instead of allowing them to function independently or focus solely on their official duties. Critics argue that the payments could be considered a strategy to strengthen her influence within the state’s Democratic Party.
Records show that Whitmer appointees, many of whom already earn salaries exceeding $200,000 annually, received bonuses nearing five percent. The bonuses were first disclosed in January when two Michigan State Police unions filed an ethics complaint regarding a bonus exceeding $10,000 awarded to MSP Director Col. James Grady. At that time, a Whitmer spokeswoman refused to answer whether other department directors, "unclassified" appointees serving at the governor's discretion, had also received bonuses.
...
However, records obtained by the outlet through FOIA requests to the Michigan Civil Service Commission and the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget reveal that Grady's bonus was typical—nearly every Whitmer cabinet member received a bonus last year.
In total, 15 of Whitmer’s cabinet members received bonuses— all of whom were appointed by the governor.
This comes as Whitmer is viewed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028. However, she has downplayed the rumors, emphasizing her commitment to completing her second term as governor.
She wants to raise taxes for roads. She RAN on fixing the roads two years ago. Whitmer and her gang waste so much money on crap!
Ransom paid up front?
Since when do government employees get bonuses at all?
Make themselves Rich before Musk gets them ,LOL
Whitler has some walkin’ around money.
And they will reelect this crook? Our election system is a gigantic fraud!
She is a stinking piece of work. Signed a Michigan taxpayer.
As one Michigan taxpayer to another, I despise her and her entire cabinet.
Wretched Whitmer is EVIL.
Oh come on. These bonuses are because she sent over a million dollars to that private golf course. You have to reward government cronyism.
You have me curious. Where is the golf course? Traverse City area?
Double down on stupid, the people are watching
It was in MI confidential a couple months ago. I think it was in Sue Saint Marie.
I was off a little but here is the article link.
Always have. Definitely federal workers get them from time to time. Not sure if every state gives them but it’s up to the state and their desires.
No they won’t!!!!!! She’s term limited.
She RAN on fixing the roads two years ago“
Actually she ran on “fixing the damn roads” 6 years ago. She tried to use it to shove a FIFTY cent a gallon gas tax through. Thank God that didn’t go through.
You are correct! I’ve lost track of time.
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