When is a phantom program not a phantom? Operators of a Selfridge Air National Guard-based educational program might want to direct that question to state House Republicans.

The House GOP passed a $78.8 billion budget last week with some bragging about defunding STARBASE, which is federally funded.

“Our budget cuts waste, fraud, and abuse so that your tax dollars are used in the most effective and transparent way possible,” state Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin) said in a newsletter released last Wednesday. “By doing this, we are saving Michigan $5 billion from last budget season while still prioritizing fixing our roads, keeping communities safe, cutting taxes and restoring accountability.”

Smit further stated the budget subcommittee conducted more than 33 hours of public hearings before

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