Dozier Community Center, Hayes Hotel damaged due to halted construction resulting from stripped funding
LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 19, 2025) — Just one week after Lansing Republicans voted to cut $645 million in previously bipartisan-approved funding for critical work projects across the state, communities are already experiencing real and preventable damage.
By abruptly slashing these dollars, Matt Hall and fellow Republicans have forced projects to stop midstream, leaving buildings exposed to the elements, accelerating deterioration, and driving up future repair costs. House Republicans also doubled-down on their attack on these projects, leaving town for the holidays without acting on bipartisan, Senate-passed legislation that would have restored this funding.
In Inkster, staff at the Dozier Community Center arrived this morning to discover new damage caused by a leaking roof. The state funding was meant to help repair that roof and prevent further deterioration. Construction was scheduled to begin on Dec. 15, but was halted following the House GOP committee vote. Each day the repair is delayed increases the risk of mold, structural damage, and service disruptions for residents who rely on the center.
“Michigan House Republicans consider the repairing of Inkster’s Community Center roof to be ‘waste,’ ‘fraud,’ or ‘abuse,’ so they callously clawed back the state funding I worked to deliver to make these critical repairs and weatherproof their leaky roof,” said Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). “The new roof installation was slated to begin on Monday, but because House Republicans unilaterally slashed this bipartisan, already agreed-upon funding, the project has been halted. As a result, the community center has suffered catastrophic damage after last night’s heavy rainfall. Our community is devastated, and I am furious that my constituents are caught in the direct crossfire of Matt Hall’s reckless, unconscionable actions.”
In Jackson, the Hayes Hotel — a recognized historic landmark — has also suffered significant weather-related damage following the stop to construction due to the loss of state funds. Ice has accumulated inside the building, compounding existing deterioration and putting this irreplaceable piece of Michigan history at risk. Any further delays in restoration can quickly turn repairable damage into permanent loss.
“I am disgusted by Matt Hall and House Republicans’ grossly negligent cuts, thwarting the years-long development and revitalization of the Hayes Hotel,” said Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp). “This project would not only provide Jackson residents with a new place to live, but also local businesses and restaurants that stimulate our community and economy. House Republicans would rather let a historic building rot than support a bright future for Jackson and other communities across the state.”
Inside the Hayes Hotel on Friday morning. Water has seeped into the building, freezing, and causing damage to the already ailing infrastructure.
These projects were intended to improve public spaces and strengthen local economies. With funding pulled and construction halted on many of these plans, conditions are deteriorating and will only worsen as long as Lansing Republicans keep playing games with the funding that was promised to them.
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