This is the final in a six-part series outlining Rep. Doug Wozniak’s responses to key issues raised in the governor’s 2026 State of the State address.

State Rep. Doug Wozniak concluded his series of responses to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address this week by emphasizing the importance of stronger oversight and accountability in state government.

While the governor’s speech highlighted several policy priorities, Wozniak noted that it did not address reforms to improve transparency in state government or strengthen oversight of taxpayer-funded programs.

Wozniak said one of the most important responsibilities of the Legislature is ensuring that state departments operate transparently and remain accountable to the people of Michigan.

“The biggest problems in state government rarely happen in public view,” said Wozniak (R-Shelby Township). “They happen inside large bureaucracies where decisions are made without enough scrutiny or accountability.”

Wozniak pointed to reforms approved by House Republicans that strengthened the authority of the House Oversight Committee, giving lawmakers greater ability to investigate state departments and review how taxpayer-funded programs are being administered.

The changes allow the Legislature to more aggressively examine state agencies, request records and testimony, and ensure government programs are operating responsibly and in the best interest of Michigan residents.

“Government departments answer to the people, and the Legislature has a duty to make sure that happens,” Wozniak said. “Strengthening oversight ensures we can investigate problems, ask tough questions, and hold state agencies accountable when something isn’t working.”

Wozniak said improving oversight is critical to restoring trust in state government and ensuring taxpayer-funded programs operate transparently and effectively.

“When government grows too large and too insulated from public scrutiny, accountability suffers,” Wozniak said. “Stronger oversight helps ensure Michigan residents have confidence that their government is operating openly and responsibly.”