“God has not given a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and sound mind.” -2 Timothy 1:7
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Negotiated a Budget Decrease (Success)
I voted YES on House Bills 4579 and 4580, which fund Michigan’s community colleges and public universities. These bills originally proposed a 3.4% spending increase, but through an intensive 10 hour direct negotiation, I secured a 2.6% year-over-year spending decrease—saving taxpayers an estimated $130 million in unnecessary costs.
Moreover, the final versions included several critical policy victories. Community colleges are now prohibited from using state funds for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. These bills also include protections for women’s sports: colleges must prohibit biologically defined males from competing on female sports teams, with a 5% monthly payment penalty for noncompliance. Finally, a “Buy American” provision ensures funds cannot be used to purchase foreign goods or services when American-made alternatives are available, and there is a clear preference for Michigan-based goods and services. Both bills passed the House 56–41, reflecting a hard-fought step in the right direction for fiscal accountability.
(NEW) Introduction: Local Partnerships with ICE
Last week, I introduced House Resolution 128, urging Michigan’s county sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies to enter into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The 287(g) program allows trained local law enforcement officers to assist ICE in identifying and processing individuals already in custody who are in the country illegally. Officers are granted limited federal authority to perform immigration enforcement tasks under ICE supervision. This includes executing administrative warrants and flagging individuals with prior immigration violations, especially those involved in violent crime, drug trafficking, gang activity, and human smuggling.
Participating officers receive full federal training, support, and oversight to ensure constitutional and effective enforcement. These partnerships do not federalize local officers—they simply enhance our local public safety capabilities.
A great example is the City of Taylor, which has already entered into a 287(g) agreement. While House resolutions are not legally binding, this sends a clear message that my office—and many others in the Legislature—are taking a strong stand for the rule of law in our state.
(NEW) Committee Update: Human Trafficking & Immigration
During a recent hearing of the House Subcommittee on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence, I confronted Michigan State Police officials on their unwillingness to fully cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—despite growing evidence that illegal immigration is deeply tied to human trafficking.
A 2022 Polaris report found that 72% of human trafficking victims in the U.S. are illegal immigrants. I asked MSP if they would collaborate with ICE to address the cross-border pipeline operated by cartels—which is a major driver of this crisis.
Instead of offering a clear answer, MSP officials pivoted to discussions about outreach campaigns, such as educating truck drivers at rest stops. I pressed further, asking whether they had any interest in working with ICE to disrupt trafficking networks before victims reach Michigan. Their continued refusal to engage with this critical question highlights a misguided prioritization of optics over enforcement.
Let’s be clear: if we’re serious about stopping this crisis, we must address how victims are getting here and who’s responsible for trafficking them. Victim support alone is not enough to stop human trafficking in Michigan.
Michigan needs to be much more aggressive in stopping this epidemic. Right now, MSP is focusing on "solutions" that are not likely to meaningfully reduce human trafficking in our state. Public service announcements and online safety campaigns may raise awareness, but they won’t stop the cartels exploiting our borders. Only strategic law enforcement partnerships and real enforcement will.
(NEW) Co-Sponsorship: Special Election
I co-sponsored House Bills 4652 and 4653, which would require the Governor’s office to announce a special election within 30 days when a vacancy occurs in the Michigan House or Senate. Right now, the residents of the 35th Senate District have been without representation since January 3, 2025—a gap of more than five months. That’s unacceptable. Every Michigan citizen deserves timely, direct representation in Lansing, and this policy ensures future vacancies don’t leave districts voiceless for extended periods.
(NEW) Other Votes & Reasons
I voted NO on House Bills 4576 through 4578 (K-12 bills) because my office had just 180 minutes to review nearly $20 billion in spending. That’s not how good governance works. A financial advisor wouldn’t recommend signing off on a deal that big with almost no time to evaluate the risks—and neither will I. The process was not prudent, and taxpayers deserve better. We negotiated longer periods of review that should ensure adequate time to do our due diligence before committing to spending your hard earned tax dollars. While these bills did contain some good provisions—such as requiring phonics-based reading instruction in schools, prohibiting the use of Michigan Department of Education funds for services to illegal immigrants, and restricting state funds for DEI initiatives—lawmakers must be given sufficient time to assess every detail before voting. It’s our job to review all spending proposals thoroughly. HB 4576 passed 56–63, while HB 4577 and HB 4578 each passed 56–53.
I voted YES on House Bill 4356, which requires the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) to send out notices to voters asking them to confirm their information after eight years of inactivity on the Qualified Voter File (QVF). While I would have preferred a six-year threshold—which aligns with existing law requiring MDOS to move records to the “inactive” bucket after six years—this is still a meaningful improvement over the status quo. Currently, MDOS is not required to send these mailers unless there’s a change of address, a move out of state, or a public death notice. The bill passed the House 56–41.
I voted YES on House Bills 4192, which reduces excessive water discharge fees for mobile home parks and campgrounds with fewer than 1,000 hookups. These small facilities currently pay over $7,000 for access to wastewater services. The bills lower that cost to $1,800—a much fairer and more sustainable fee that will especially help rural communities. HB 4192 passed the House 65–32.
I voted YES on House Bill 4434, which repeals Michigan’s outdated one-person grand jury law. Under this law, a single judge had the authority to act simultaneously as grand jury, prosecutor, and investigator—without transparency or a traditional jury of peers. This structure has led to unjust prosecutions in the past and undermined the principles of due process. Repealing it restores fairness, reinforces constitutional protections, and aligns Michigan with modern judicial standards. The bill passed the House 74–35.
I voted YES on House Bill 4011, which authorizes the potential sale of the Standish Correctional Facility, a property that has been vacant for over 10 years. The site continues to cost the state money in maintenance and oversight. This bill allows the property to be repurposed for productive use, potentially attracting investment and jobs while reducing long-term liabilities. The bill passed the House 62–47.
I voted NO on House Bill 4044, which would designate the wood duck as Michigan’s official state duck. While symbolic legislation may seem harmless, every bill that reaches the Governor’s desk costs taxpayers approximately $250,000 in staff time, legal review, and legislative processing. Michigan already has a state bird. The bill passed the House 92–17, but I opposed it because this bill is just another distraction from the real work that needs to be done. Our time in Lansing should be spent addressing the priorities that matter most to our families and our communities.
I voted NO on House Bills 4394 and 4395, which would impose a $25 fee and could require licensed barbers to obtain a temporary license just to offer free haircuts at charitable events like those held at VFW halls. While the fee may seem insignificant, the costs to access state services start to add up—and Michigan residents already pay plenty of fees. We don’t need to create more. Professionals donating their time to serve veterans shouldn’t face extra paperwork or financial hurdles. The best way to support our veteran community is by removing barriers to service—not adding to them. Both bills passed the House 95–2.
I voted YES on House Bill 4246, which brings Michigan into the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows nurses licensed in other states to practice in Michigan without needing a separate license. It helps ease our nursing shortage, improves rural healthcare access, and enhances Michigan’s economic competitiveness by making our state more attractive to American medical professionals. The bill passed the House 57–52.
I voted YES on House Bills 4257 and 4265, which update how anaerobic digesters are treated under environmental law. These facilities convert organic waste into energy and deserve clear regulatory support. The bills help farmers and energy producers by clarifying how these systems are managed under state law. Both bills passed the House 62–35.
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. Please feel free to share this with anyone you’d like to help stay informed. If you have any questions, comments, or event/meeting requests please call me at 517-373-0839 and/or email me at JoshSchriver@House.MI.gov.
In God We Trust,
Representative Josh Schriver
All 2023 VOTES & REASONS: CLICK HERE
All 2024 VOTES & REASONS CLICK HERE