Shelby Review

State Representative Josh Schriver (R-Utica) has released a mid-year report outlining his legislative activities and priorities from January to July 2025. The report highlights several budgetary measures, policy initiatives, and oversight actions he has taken or supported in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Among the key actions cited by Schriver is the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) funding from the education budget. He stated this measure aims to keep classrooms focused on academics and maintain fairness in school sports. Schriver also noted a 2.6% reduction in the higher education budget, which he said resulted in taxpayer savings of over $100 million.

Other fiscal steps include eliminating $125 million in state subsidies for local school transportation and blocking $33 million designated for what he described as non-essential school health centers. Schriver reported that these efforts are intended to give local districts more control over spending decisions.

The report also details new requirements such as banning certain state employees from using preferred pronouns in official communications—with penalties for violations—and prohibiting government funding for services provided to undocumented immigrants except for detention purposes. Additionally, all state contractors must now use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Schriver outlined transparency measures including mandatory online publication of all state expenditures, vendor payments, contract allocations, and detailed cost-per-prisoner tracking. Severance pay for high-ranking officials is now subject to stricter limits and reporting requirements.

Looking ahead to final negotiations on the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget, Schriver said he will seek to end subsidies related to electric vehicle programs and corporate incentives through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He also plans to advocate for reducing pension debt obligations and closing funding loopholes associated with Planned Parenthood.

In his role as Majority Vice Chair of the Government Weaponization Committee and member of both Homeland Security and House Oversight Committees, Schriver reported that department heads have been required to testify before legislative committees as part of ongoing oversight efforts. He highlighted investigations into cooperation between Michigan State Police and federal immigration authorities as well as challenges regarding public funds used by the Attorney General’s office during litigation over Flint’s water crisis.

Schriver listed several bills he has introduced or supported during this period:

- HR 128: Urges police cooperation with ICE regarding criminal illegal immigrants.

- HB 4751: Proposes repealing employer mandates on abortion coverage.

- HB 4752: Seeks to allow mental health professionals greater freedom when discussing gender transition procedures.

- HB 4597: Restores local control over speed limits.

Additional legislative proposals still being drafted include bills focused on constitutional literacy education, after-action reviews following mass casualty events, enabling school staff intervention during emergencies, and restricting marijuana billboard advertising.

Schriver also enumerated votes cast in favor of legislation addressing issues such as consecutive sentencing for juvenile murderers, public disclosure of government grants, firearm safety education in schools, protections for women’s sports integrity, bans on sanctuary city policies related to immigration enforcement, restoration of local control over renewable energy projects, proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration, hiring practices based on merit rather than other criteria, restrictions against foreign influence in schools, and holding officials accountable through contempt resolutions when subpoenas are not honored.

He co-sponsored additional measures targeting ranked-choice voting protocols; increased penalties for fleeing police; impeachment proceedings against election officials alleged to have violated law; apprenticeships within the National Guard; bans on gender transition procedures for minors; worker protections regarding vaccination status; fetal development education initiatives; caps on budget growth tied to inflation plus population changes; and ballot transparency reforms requiring party affiliation disclosures.

In closing his report addressed directly to constituents Schriver wrote: "Every one of these fights comes down to this: are we making your life better? Lower taxes mean more money for your family’s needs. Safer neighborhoods mean your children can walk to school... My aim is to report everything to you with transparency..."

He added that while progress has been made there remains significant work ahead before final passage of next year’s state budget.