Shelby Review

Wednesday’s session of the Michigan House was adjourned early after news broke of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The incident has drawn national attention and raised concerns about violence against public figures.

State Representative Josh Schriver addressed the tragedy, saying, "We pray for Charlie’s family, for the repose of his soul, and for our nation. At times like this we must stand firm in our values, reaffirm our faith, and commit ourselves to working for a society where violence does not replace debate." He announced he would deliver a speech at the Michigan Capitol in Kirk's honor.

Schriver reflected on Kirk's influence: "I knew Charlie Kirk by his work to inspire the men who staff my office. He preached Christ. He welcomed debate from critics. For that, they brutally assassinated him in front of his family for millions to see in high definition."

He also criticized online reactions to Kirk’s death: "They celebrate his murder. Tens of thousands of videos, hundreds of thousands of likes, mocking his widow and children without shame. The celebration of this assassination is an encouragement for more. Our government must raid online networks to end pipelines of violence."

Schriver called out Elissa Slotkin’s stance on ANTIFA: "Elissa Slotkin dismisses ANTIFA as ‘boogeymen who aren’t there.’ The murder, bloodshed and destruction we see are real. Our government must dissolve ANTIFA and bring justice to those who coordinate violence." He added, "If they can openly call for, coordinate and murder an organizer like Charlie Kirk who helped win the 2024 election…and face no legitimate consequences from our government…then we are telling our enemies that they can govern through assassination."

Quoting scripture, Schriver stated: "'But understand this, in the last days there will come times of difficulty... Avoid such people.' It is only by the power of God that we can surpass our human nature, to be like Christ, to pray for those that persecute us, to be both prudent and bold."

He concluded with a message about faith: "God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. May we yield to the power of Jesus Christ as our King, now and forever. Amen."

In other legislative activity last week, Schriver reported on oversight efforts regarding state agencies. He said that during an Oversight Committee Hearing with Elizabeth Hertel, Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), questions were raised about departmental leadership and accountability. According to Schriver, Hertel testified under subpoena that she might be present in her office only once per week despite overseeing a large department budget.

Schriver also provided updates on recent votes in the House:

- On HB 4549 concerning motor vehicle service regulations, Schriver supported measures aimed at improving consumer protections.

- HB 4602 shifted some ballot test deck authority from state officials to local clerks; Schriver argued this would strengthen local control over elections.

- Two bills addressing organized retail crime (HB 4598 and HB 4599) received strong support from Schriver due to their focus on enforcement across jurisdictions.

- Expansions to consumer protection laws (HB 4755) were backed by Schriver as ways to close loopholes used by deceptive businesses.

- Updates to EMS certification requirements (HB 4012) were approved with an emphasis on modernizing emergency response systems.

- Several resolutions were adopted honoring individuals or marking special observances including Shelley Goodman Taub (HR 166), Recovery Day (HR 167), Patriot Week (HR 169), and World Suicide Prevention Day (HR 170).

- HB 4349 amended city governance rules under the Home Rule City Act; HB 4750 updated foster care benefits with new requirements such as financial literacy training.

Schriver emphasized transparency by sharing explanations for each vote cast since taking office.