The Michigan Legislature is supposed to make laws and invest taxpayer money sensibly and transparently.

But a report from the Detroit News states the GOP-led Legislature provided $4 million to a for-profit business, with an uncertain return on investment for taxpayers. The details of the business handout weren't found until months after the appropriation.

The funding flowed to a mobile heart imaging venture called Corazon Imaging, owned by southeast Michigan health care executives Joshua Katke and Abir Mehanna.

The business was formed on March 1, 2022. It received $4 million in July, just months later on as part of a $1 billion spending package rammed through over night with little description or oversight as part of the $76 billion budget.

Former House Speaker Jason Wentworth, R-Farwell, sponsored the grant.

The News reported that your house Appropriations Committee's workplace said last year the task was indicated to serve northern Michigan.

A Senate report notes $4 million was scheduled for the company. A budget bill said the grant was implied to provide to underserved populations scans and virtual cardiac assessments and the "acquisition of a center and the creation of at least 20 tasks."

Katke told the News that the taxpayer cash would be used to "develop the 11 initial mobile clinic websites" for which the company is "hiring staff."

The business said it prepares to ultimately supply services in Gaylord, Gladwin, and Alpena.

" These cities are not amongst the first markets Corazon Imaging is entering due to the fact that they are still resolving the process of protecting Certificates of Need (CON)," the group said about state-issued licensing.

Wentworth informed The News that the company had actually requested for in between $8 and $10 countless taxpayer money.

" A crucial objective for Corazon Imaging is to make high-quality heart care accessible in underserved communities, while also minimizing expenses 30-50% in the outpatient setting," Katke told the News in an email.

It's yet to be known whether the company will actually offer the guaranteed services. Typically, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation oversees financial advancement deals and ensures companies supply promised jobs in return for taxpayer cash.