Attorney General

As the lawyer for the State of Michigan, the Attorney General provides legal advice and

representation to state officials and agencies and, when warranted, initiates legal action on

behalf of the residents of Michigan. The Attorney General also receives and investigates consumer

complaints and enforces child support orders. The governor’s proposed budget for fiscal years 2017

and 2018 recommends total ongoing funding of $94.5 million, of which $38.4 million is general fund. In

addition, one-time funding of $700,000 general fund is recommended for fiscal year 2017.

Highlights of Governor’s Budget Recommendation

• The Executive Budget includes $86.2 million for Attorney General programs and support services, including funding for 295 attorneys who represent the state in appellate court and the United States Supreme Court, support minors who are victims of abuse and neglect, investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud, and mediate complaints regarding deceptive practices which harm consumers.

• The Child Support Enforcement Division and the Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council are supported with $3.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The Child Support Enforcement Division prosecutes parents who are able to pay their court-ordered obligations but fail to do so. The Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council provides continuing professional education, case management support, and legal research for local prosecutors in Michigan. The governor’s ongoing commitment to justice for rape victims is supported with $1.7 million for sexual assault law enforcement efforts. Additionally, a comprehensive plan to fight human trafficking is supported with nearly $400,000.

• The governor’s public safety initiative is continued with $900,000 to target repeat violent offenders and reduce backlogs of outstanding warrants in high-risk urban areas.

• To support the recommendations of the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force, the Attorney General will establish a prescription drug abuse unit with onetime funds of $700,000.