Rep. Cynthia Neeley, D-Flint, has requested over $35 million in targeted earmarks for nonprofit programs in her district, raising eyebrows among fiscal conservatives who question whether spiritual and mentorship initiatives should take precedence in a tightening budget cycle.

Topping her list is $25 million for the MYhub Life Empowerment Center, a proposed “spiritual and social transformation” facility in Flint offering everything from STEM labs to faith-based mentorship and creative arts studios. Neeley also backed $300,000 for the HYPE Program at Faith Foundation Resources, which blends job training with values-driven guidance for youth, and $250,000 for the Asbury Community Development Corp’s church-affiliated summer employment program.

Another $10 million was earmarked for the Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village to expand youth services through a new campus in a long-vacant auto plant. Additional funds were steered to a Flint neuroscience institute, local blight removal, and minority business incubators.

Neeley praised the budget as delivering for Flint, saying, “I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished, and it’s all for you.” But critics argue these “handpicked” allocations bypass transparent review and funnel funds into narrowly scoped programs. “Transformative” as they may be, none went through a competitive process.

While the intent is to uplift underserved youth, especially students of color, skeptics note the same budget trimmed statewide mental health and safety investments by over $300 million. With federal surplus funds drying up, opponents say now is not the time for experimental models tied to spiritual language or regional identity.