Kalamazoo Times

State Rep. Matt Hall (R-Marshall) said the uproar surrounding a now-canceled data contract is concerning.

"The governor’s account of the contract in question does raise concerns, and I am monitoring it as more information becomes available," Hall said in a statement released on Michigan House Republicans. "The Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic was formed to look into the decision-making and preparedness of this administration and state departments during the ongoing public health emergency, and this situation is something that could fall under that umbrella."

Hall said the committee will look into the evidence that was submitted on May 1.

“Transparency and accountability within state government is pivotal," Hall said in the statement. "Many people across the state have raised concerns about the conflict of interest regarding this contract, and new information that has come to light only underscores those concerns."

"Our job as legislators is to speak on behalf of those concerns," Hall continued. "My colleagues and I will continue to stay in tune with any developments regarding this situation going forward."

Hall released the statement after he received a document regarding the cancellation of the contract, which manages data related to the state's coronavirus contact tracing project. The contract was awarded to an entity that was found to be an arm of a Democratic campaign data management platform.

Last month, State Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) told The Detroit News he was requesting an investigation after it came to light that the company had a Democratic connection. Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, agreed to open up an investigation, saying accountability and transparency in state government are important.

The data management company is EveryAction VAN, which was awarded the $194,000 contract, according to The Detroit News.