Shelby Review

In a recent update, Michigan State Representative Josh Schriver (R-Utica) outlined the latest developments in the state’s 2025-2026 budget negotiations and key legislative actions. Schriver emphasized that the House recently passed a budget after detailed review by the Budget Committee, which required state departments to justify spending and demonstrate returns for taxpayers. He stated this was "a necessary and long overdue level of scrutiny."

Schriver highlighted the challenges of negotiating within a divided government. He noted, "The Michigan Senate Democrat Majority is proposing a budget around $85 billion, focused on expanding redundant government programs. In contrast, my Republican House Majority colleagues and I just passed a $5 BILLION CUT of fraud, waste and abuse." He indicated more details would be provided next week.

On local matters, Schriver reported working with Washington Township officials to request state funding for a new guardrail along M‑53 following a severe accident. According to Schriver, "A guardrail will provide a critical buffer between the road and nearby residential properties, reducing the risk of repeat property damage and improving public safety." He described this as a cost-effective solution driven by community needs.

Addressing education funding, Schriver opposed statewide mandates requiring free breakfast and lunch in all districts. He said, "One-size-fits-all policy doesn’t work in education," supporting instead local discretion over how school aid funds are used.

Schriver also voted in favor of House Resolution M—a proposed constitutional amendment requiring completion of the state budget by June 30 each year or withholding pay from lawmakers and top executives until finished. The resolution failed with 70 votes in favor out of the required 74 but received unanimous Republican support. "I will continue to support this type of reform to incentivize government officials to get the budget done on time," he said.

Regarding election laws, Schriver voted to ban Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in Michigan through HB4707 because he believes it undermines “one person, one vote.” The measure passed 57-44 in the House. Schriver criticized RCV for making elections harder to understand, increasing ballot errors—especially among seniors—and causing delays in results. He pledged ongoing opposition against efforts to introduce RCV at either state or local levels.

Among other legislative actions:

- Schriver voted against HB 4415—which raises bidding thresholds for county road commission purchases—citing concerns over reduced fiscal safeguards.

- He supported HB 4543 updating how Michigan calculates its Home Heating Tax Credit after discontinuation of Detroit-area CPI data.

- Schriver backed HB 4047 criminalizing non-consensual sharing of deepfake sexual content made using artificial intelligence.

- He supported SB 70 naming part of M-34 as “Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway” honoring an officer killed on duty.

- Finally, he voted yes on HB 4303 declaring May as Chaldean American Month in Michigan.

Schriver concluded his update expressing continued commitment to transparency in budgeting processes and protecting both public safety and electoral integrity.