Policy Proposal: The MEGA Audit – Michigan Efficiency Government Audit
Restoring Accountability, Eliminating Waste, and Protecting Taxpayer Dollars
Perry Johnson has spent his career helping organizations identify waste, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable results. As one of the nation’s leading experts on quality management and operational excellence, Johnson has worked with more than 60,000 businesses and organizations across the United States and around the world, helping them improve productivity, reduce costs, and implement internationally recognized quality standards such as ISO certification.
His work has focused on identifying inefficiencies, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, and creating systems that produce better results at lower cost. As Governor, Johnson will bring this same discipline and expertise to Lansing by applying private-sector efficiency principles to state government.
Michigan taxpayers deserve a government that treats their money with the same discipline families and businesses must show every day. Unfortunately, Lansing has developed a long track record of wasteful spending, failed programs, bureaucratic growth, and lack of accountability.
Business leader and quality expert, Perry Johnson, is proposing the most aggressive government reform initiative in Michigan history: the MEGA Audit – Michigan Efficiency Government Audit.
The MEGA Audit will conduct a full, department-by-department review of Michigan state government to identify waste, eliminate inefficiency, and refund the money to the taxpayers.
Johnson has spent his career helping more than 60,000 companies worldwide improve efficiency and reduce waste through internationally recognized quality standards. As Governor, he will apply the same proven principles to state government.
What is the MEGA Audit?
The Michigan Efficiency Government Audit (MEGA Audit) will be a comprehensive forensic audit of all state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, and major government programs.
The audit will focus on identifying:
- Wasteful spending
- Fraud and abuse
- Inefficient government operations
- Redundant or outdated programs
- Bloated bureaucracy
- Failed contracts and technology systems
- Programs that do not produce measurable results
The goal is simple: Make Michigan government efficient, accountable, and focused on results.
Key Components of the MEGA Audit
1. Department-by-Department Efficiency Audits
Every state department will undergo a full operational and financial audit during the first two years of a Johnson administration.
Each department must demonstrate:
- How taxpayer dollars are being spent
- Whether programs are achieving measurable results
- Where operations can be streamlined or consolidated
2. Zero-Based Budgeting
Instead of automatically increasing spending each year, departments will rebuild their budgets from scratch.
Every program must justify its existence and funding level.
If a program cannot demonstrate value for taxpayers, it will be reformed or eliminated.
3. Independent Private-Sector Review Teams
Johnson will bring in private-sector efficiency experts to review state government operations.
These teams will apply internationally recognized quality management and operational excellence standards – the same standards used by successful global businesses.
4. Transparency for Taxpayers
Audit findings will be made public so Michigan residents can see exactly where their tax dollars are being spent – and wasted.
A public dashboard will track:
- Audit findings
- Cost savings
- Eliminated waste
- Government performance metrics
5. Government Waste Reduction Targets
Each department will be required to meet aggressive waste reduction targets and efficiency benchmarks.
Departments that fail to meet performance standards will face restructuring.
Examples of Wasteful Spending in Michigan Government
The MEGA Audit will examine numerous examples of government mismanagement and questionable spending, including:
Unemployment Insurance Fraud
Michigan’s unemployment system paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent claims due to weak verification systems and poor oversight. Criminal organizations were able to exploit the system while taxpayers absorbed the losses.
Secretary of State Website Failure
Michigan spent tens of millions of dollars attempting to modernize Secretary of State technology systems. The rollout resulted in long appointment delays, system failures, and major disruptions for residents trying to access basic government services.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation Subsidies
For years the MEDC has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars in corporate subsidies and tax incentives.
Many economists and policy analysts question whether these incentives create real economic growth or simply shift economic activity while taxpayers bear the cost.
The MEGA Audit will review every subsidy program and measure its true return on investment.
Cost Overruns in Government Technology Contracts
Major IT projects frequently exceed budgets and timelines, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in overruns and delays.
The MEGA Audit will evaluate procurement practices and contract management to prevent future failures.
Bureaucratic Expansion
Over the years Michigan government has created dozens of boards, commissions, and agencies that duplicate functions or operate with minimal oversight.
The MEGA Audit will identify opportunities to:
- Consolidate agencies
- Eliminate redundant programs
- Reduce administrative overhead
Bringing Business Discipline to Lansing
Perry Johnson built his career helping organizations eliminate waste and operate more efficiently.
He believes government should operate under the same principles that successful businesses follow:
- Measure results
- Eliminate inefficiency
- Reward performance
- Hold leadership accountable
“Michigan families have to balance their budgets,” Johnson said.
“State government should do the same. The MEGA Audit will bring real accountability to Lansing.”
Bringing Business Discipline to Lansing
By identifying waste and eliminating inefficient spending, the MEGA Audit will help generate significant savings for Michigan taxpayers.
Those savings will help fund Johnson’s broader economic reforms, including:
- 4747 Plan to eliminate the Michigan Income Tax
- Reforming Property Tax
- Making Michigan more competitive with fast-growing states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee
Restoring Trust in Government
Beyond saving money, the MEGA Audit will restore public confidence in state government.
Michigan residents deserve transparency, accountability, and results from their government.
The MEGA Audit will ensure Lansing works for taxpayers – not the other way around.
Perry Johnson for Governor
Keep Your Money. Live Your Dreams.