House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Twp, said in his Thursday press conference that he intends to bring state workers back to in-person work in Lansing, saying the time has come to reverse the remote work policies that have kept state buildings largely empty since 2020.

The shift to remote work began in March 2020, when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered all state employees to work from home as a precaution during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than five years later, many departments still operate under hybrid or fully remote models, a situation Hall says is hurting both government functions and the city’s economy.

Hall is especially concerned about the economic health of Lansing, where small businesses and downtown development have struggled in the absence of daily foot traffic from state employees. He believes the continued remote work arrangement has left the capital city overly dependent on state aid, including loans and emergency support meant to keep struggling businesses afloat.

With a new state budget on the horizon, Hall is signaling that a shift back to in-person work will be a top priority. Once the budget is approved, he plans to push for a full return of state employees to Lansing.

“Democrats don’t believe in in-person work,” Hall said.

The remark highlights Hall’s broader frustration with how his political opponents have handled remote work policy. He has repeatedly suggested that continued work-from-home arrangements reflect a lack of urgency and accountability within government operations. He argues that face-to-face collaboration leads to more effective and responsive governance, and that public employees should be physically present in the capital they serve.

The call to return to the office is not without controversy. Some Democratic lawmakers have defended the benefits of remote work, citing increased flexibility, cost savings, and employee satisfaction. But Hall’s position signals a shift in Republican leadership toward reinstating traditional office expectations.

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The outcome of this debate could reshape how Michigan’s state government functions and what the future looks like for the city of Lansing. For Hall, the issue is about more than office space; it’s about restoring the presence and purpose of government in the heart of the state.

Watch the full press conference here: