Michigan Judge Blocks $645 Million Work Project Spending in Legal Win for GOP House

LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan judge has temporarily blocked the state from spending $645 million in disputed work project funds, delivering an early court victory to the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives.

Michigan Court of Claims Chief Judge Michael F. Gadola issued a preliminary injunction Thursday afternoon, preventing the state from moving forward with the spending while a broader legal challenge plays out in court.

Court Finds Likely Constitutional Violation

In his ruling, Judge Gadola determined that House Republicans demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their lawsuit and would suffer irreparable harm if the court did not intervene. The decision effectively freezes the use of the funds until the legal dispute is resolved.

The lawsuit centers on whether the state executive branch overstepped its authority by reallocating or spending work project funds without proper legislative approval, raising serious questions about separation of powers under Michigan’s Constitution.

Decision Comes Faster Than Expected

The injunction was issued just hours after a court hearing earlier in the day, during which Gadola had indicated a ruling on a temporary restraining order might not arrive until mid-next week. Instead, the judge moved swiftly, signaling the urgency of the constitutional issues involved.

Political and Budgetary Implications

Republican lawmakers argue the spending undermines the Legislature’s constitutional role in budget oversight and sets a dangerous precedent for executive control over state funds. The injunction preserves the status quo and prevents the money from being spent while the court reviews the case in full.

State officials have not yet issued a public response, and it remains unclear whether the administration will appeal the ruling or seek an expedited review.

What Happens Next

The case is expected to continue in the coming weeks and could have wide-ranging implications for how Michigan handles budget transfers, work project authorizations, and legislative oversight of state spending.

For now, the $645 million remains frozen — and the legal fight over who controls Michigan’s purse strings is far from over.