SOAR Struggles to Take Flight Amid House Republicans’ Criticism

SOAR is taking a fall against House Republican scrutiny, with numerous amendments preventing the package from leaving the House Economic Development Committee. The Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund, first introduced in 2021 as a means of keeping business in Michigan, has faced recent backlash from both sides of the aisle for its high spending and lack of results. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is looking to right these wrongs with a rebranding of SOAR to the Make it in Michigan Fund, which would use $250 million toward “community investments.” Some Democrats want more extensive changes, as seen with pending House bills 5768-5770, which focus on public transport, housing, and an additional mobility trust fund.