“God has not given a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and sound mind.” -2 Timothy 1:7
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
(NEW) Subpoenas for Accountability
Over our lifetime, the power of state agencies has grown to the point where state departments abuse the very people they were created to serve. The Michigan Constitution is clear: the authority to create laws, oversee state departments, and manage taxpayer dollars rests with the Michigan House of Representatives. This a responsibility I honor with grave seriousness.
That’s why I’ve been working with my Republican colleagues on the House Oversight Committee to take back the power of the people’s House from the hands of individuals who have proven time and time again to operate in opposition to our best interest. Recently, we’ve issued a historic number of subpoenas to hold government agencies accountable—including the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and even the Attorney General’s office. These subpoenas became necessary after months of unanswered questions surrounding their out-of-touch policies, blatant failures, and harmful misconduct.
I personally voted to subpoena multiple state department appointees to testify before the Oversight Committee. Over the past several months, my office has received an outstanding number of inquiries from my constituents, expressing concern about how taxpayer dollars are being used—including whether public assistance and housing vouchers are being distributed to illegal aliens. There are also troubling concerns about the foster care system, including reports of orphans sleeping on the floor. This must end immediately.
I share these concerns with Oversight Committee chairs and author many letters to state agencies demanding answers on behalf of my constituents. Now that subpoenas have been issued, these departments are legally obligated to respond and provide the transparency the public deserves.
(NEW) Repealing Anti-Christ Laws
With many co-sponsors, my office has introduced legislation—House Bills 4751 through 4753—to repeal three laws that violate core constitutional principles. Repealing these laws is essential to restore the balance of power and protect our God-given rights. As legislators, we’re duty-bound to remove statutes that overstep the authority given by our state and federal Constitutions.
Article I, Section 4 of the Michigan Constitution states:
“The civil and political rights, privileges and capacities of no person shall be diminished or enlarged on account of his religious belief.”
My active mission is to repeal any laws that violate our God-given rights. The three policies my package aims to repeal are:
Adding “termination of a pregnancy” to Michigan’s employment discrimination statute— zero religious or conscience exemptions. When it passed, outlets like Crain’s Detroit Business and the Michigan Catholic Conference warned that faith-based employers would be forced to provide abortion coverage through their health insurance plans. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled in the Hobby Lobby decision that this kind of mandate is un-Constitutional.
Threatening medical professionals with loss of their license if they advise patients on the potential medical risks of gender-transition procedures. There is no conscience clause or religious freedom protection included. This means that a doctor or counselor could face career-ending punishment simply for offering honest, ethical, or faith-informed guidance. That’s not only unconstitutional—it’s a violation of medical ethics and the foundational principle to “Do No Harm.”
Allowing costly lawsuits against small businesses that decline to provide services that conflict with their religious convictions. It contains no religious liberty exemption—a critical omission. In Colorado, a similar law led to a years-long legal battle for a bakery that declined to design a cake for a same-sex wedding. Our own Constitution provides clearer protections: “No person shall be diminished or enlarged on account of his religious belief.” Without repeal, it’s only a matter of time before Michigan sees similar lawsuits—and similar Constitutional conflicts.
Now is the time to clean up the mess we’ve found ourselves facing. My bill package is a major step toward restoring a lasting respect for religious liberty in the Great State of Michigan.
(NEW) My Most Recent Votes/Reasons
HB 4506–4508 — Stricter Sentencing Guidelines for Murderers
I VOTED “YES”
These bills were crafted in response to a troubling Michigan Supreme Court ruling that prevents prosecutors and judges from issuing life without parole sentences to juveniles—even in cases where multiple people are murdered. This legislation creates a workaround by allowing consecutive sentences when multiple victims are involved, ensuring justice is still served.
This addresses real-world cases like the Oxford High School shooting, where families should never be forced to endure another sentencing trial 25 years later. These bills give prosecutors and judges the tools they need while respecting the gravity of such crimes. I supported the package because it ensures accountability and peace of mind for victims' families.
Vote tally: 55–43 (PASSAGE FAILED)
HB 4141 - Smart Phone Restrictions in Michigan Public Schools
I VOTED “YES”
This bill places reasonable restrictions on student smart phone use in Michigan schools. Elementary and middle school students would not be allowed to use smart phones during class, between classes, or at recess—though they could still use them before and after school. In high school, smart phones would be prohibited during instruction, but allowed between classes and at the start and end of the school day.
The bill also makes exceptions for students with IEPs and allows device use during emergencies that don’t interfere with school safety plans. I voted in favor because in-class smart phone usage continues to be a serious barrier to learning, and this bill gives districts a clear framework to set and enforce boundaries.
Vote tally: 53–45 (PASSAGE FAILED)
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. Please share this information 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