This week in Lansing, key legislative reforms were passed with the aim of enhancing community safety, restoring local governance, and improving hiring practices within state departments. Representative Josh Schriver played a role in these developments.
As part of his duties on the House Oversight Committee, Schriver’s office is actively working to enhance the quality of public services provided by state departments.
Among the recent legislative actions was a vote on bills banning sanctuary city policies in Michigan. “These bills make it illegal for local governments to adopt ordinances or policies that interfere with federal immigration enforcement,” said Schriver. The package included HB 4338–4339 & HB 4342, which passed with votes of 58-48 and 57-49 respectively.
Additionally, measures were taken to block benefits for illegal immigrants through HB 4340–4341. These bills require state agencies to verify immigration status before providing benefits. “Michigan taxpayers should not be footing the bill for individuals who are in this country unlawfully,” stated Schriver. Both bills passed with a vote count of 63-43.
Efforts to restore local control over renewable energy projects resulted in the passing of HB 4027 & HB 4028, repealing previous acts that gave unilateral power to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). “These reforms represent a victory for local control,” noted Schriver. Each bill passed with a vote tally of 58–48.
A proposed amendment requiring proof of citizenship to vote did not pass as it failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds support; HJR B was defeated with a vote count of 58-48.
The passage of HB 4288 mandates merit-based hiring for state jobs, emphasizing objective qualifications over diversity quotas. “Michigan taxpayers have a right to expect the best employees—not activist hires or insiders,” remarked Schriver. This bill passed overwhelmingly at 105-1.
In committee updates, there is an ongoing subpoena issued by the oversight committee demanding access from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson regarding election clerk training materials. Additionally, further requests are being prepared for data from MDHHS concerning benefit distribution by immigration status.
Representative Josh Schriver encourages constituents to reach out with questions or comments via phone or email as he continues his work on these legislative matters.
