Shelby Review

In recent legislative developments, House Bills 4579 and 4580 have been passed to fund Michigan’s community colleges and public universities. Initially proposing a 3.4% spending increase, these bills now reflect a 2.6% decrease in year-over-year spending following intense negotiations, reportedly saving taxpayers approximately $130 million.

These bills also include several policy measures. Community colleges are restricted from using state funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Additionally, they enforce protections for women’s sports by prohibiting biologically defined males from participating in female sports teams with penalties for noncompliance. A "Buy American" clause mandates the preference for American-made goods when alternatives are available.

House Resolution 128 has been introduced to encourage local law enforcement agencies in Michigan to engage in 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This program permits trained officers to assist ICE in immigration enforcement tasks under federal supervision.

During a recent House Subcommittee hearing on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence, concerns were raised regarding Michigan State Police's reluctance to collaborate with ICE despite evidence linking illegal immigration to human trafficking.

The co-sponsorship of House Bills 4652 and 4653 aims to ensure timely special elections when vacancies occur in the Michigan legislature, addressing representation gaps like the one currently affecting the residents of the 35th Senate District.

Votes on various other bills were cast based on considerations such as time allocated for review, financial prudence, fairness in fees imposed on small facilities or charitable activities, alignment with modern judicial standards, economic competitiveness through healthcare access improvements, and environmental law updates supporting energy production from organic waste.

For further inquiries or engagement requests regarding these legislative matters or others discussed here, constituents are encouraged to reach out via phone or email.