Holding the Senate Accountable for Overspending

I voted YES on House Resolution 127, which passed 58–48, urging the Michigan Senate to return its budget bills and correct a near $1 billion overspending error in its proposed 2026 budget.

According to the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency, the Senate’s budget plan exceeds projected revenues by $986.5 million—violating Article IV, Section 31 of the Michigan Constitution, which requires a balanced budget.

The people of Michigan deserve a responsible, legal budget—not a reckless one that blows through constitutional limits. This resolution sends a clear message: get it right before forcing it on the House.

Oversight Update: Benson Declared in Contempt of the Legislature

After repeated refusals to comply with a lawful subpoena, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 117 on a 58–47 vote, formally declaring Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in contempt of the Legislature. I gladly voted YES.

The Oversight Committee subpoenaed un-redacted election training materials provided to local clerks. While over 3,000 pages were submitted, critical content from the eLearning portal was withheld under the guise of “security concerns.”

After Benson missed deadlines and refused to appear, the House acted. This is not transparency—it’s defiance. No public official is above oversight, and this resolution reinforces that the Legislature will enforce its Constitutional authority.

Introducing a Constitutional Amendment to Cap Government Growth

I co-sponsored a Constitutional amendment to cap annual state government spending increases to the combined rate of inflation and population growth.

Michigan’s state budget has ballooned by more than 40% in just five years, growing from $59 billion in 2019 to $83 billion in 2024. If Michigan families have to live within their means, so should Lansing.

Increasing Transparency in Local Elections

I also cosponsored legislation to require school board candidates to declare their political party affiliation on the ballot. Voters deserve to know where candidates stand—especially when it comes to decisions affecting children, curriculum, and parental rights.

Attorney General Nessel Misses Flint Records Deadline—Committee Weighing Options

The House Oversight Subcommittee on the Weaponization of State Government is also weighing its next steps after Attorney General Dana Nessel failed to meet a May 20 deadline to produce financial records related to the Flint Water Crisis prosecutions.

After receiving an extension, her office submitted a password-protected flash drive filled with irrelevant documents—most from a previous administration—and requested another delay.

There will be no more extensions, and no more games. The committee is actively reviewing how to compel full compliance.

Standing Up for Women’s Sports

I voted YES on two critical bills to protect fairness in women’s athletics:

• HB 4066 – Passed 58–48. Ensures that biological females compete in female-designated high school and collegiate sports, preserving equal opportunity and competitive integrity.
• HB 4469 – Passed 59–45. Strengthens enforcement and eligibility standards to ensure fair play and safety in women’s sports across Michigan.

Women and girls deserve a level playing field. These votes reflect and uphold the biological differences between the two sexes (male and female).

Supporting Public Safety and Emergency Response

I voted YES on HB 4203, which passed unanimously 105–0, to exempt tow trucks from seasonal weight restrictions when responding to crashes and emergencies. This reform ensures faster, safer road clearance—especially during Michigan’s dangerous winter months.

I also voted YES on HB 4343 (passed 104–1) and HB 4344 (passed 103–2), which expand this exemption to emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks. These common-sense reforms eliminate red tape that can slow down emergency response and put lives at risk.

Voted NO on Targeted Broadband Tax Carve-Out

I voted NO on HB 4287, which passed 97–8 and creates a special income tax carve-out for companies receiving broadband and infrastructure grants.

While I support expanding broadband access, this bill doesn’t deliver real tax reform. Michigan’s tax code should be consistent and fair across all industries—not tailored for special interests. If we want to boost infrastructure investment, we should reduce red tape and pursue policies that help all businesses, not just a few.

That’s why I opposed this narrow carve-out and will continue fighting for broad-based tax relief that benefits everyone.

Other Votes: American Jobs & More

• HB 4101 & HB 4380 – YES (Both passed 103–2)These bills streamline license reciprocity for medical professionals across the United States, reducing barriers for Americans in this field who want to relocate to Michigan. We must end hinderances that contribute to the replacement of American workers with foreign labor. Americans are trained, willing and able to work!
• I voted YES on HB 4010, which officially designates Harrison Township as “Boat Town USA.” Passed 83–24, this bill celebrates the township’s long-standing relationship with recreational boating and its contributions to Michigan’s maritime culture.
• HB 4100 – Passed 106–1. Renames part of M-50 in memory of Animal Control Officer Darrian Young, who died while protecting others.
• HB 4105 – Passed 105–2. Honors William S. Broomfield, a respected former Congressman and Speaker Pro Tem, by designating a stretch of M-150 in Oakland County after his name.
• HB 4145 – Passed 107–0. Dedicates part of US-127 to 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger, a Michigan World War II hero.
• HB 4267 – Passed 104–3. Renaming a portion of M-6 in Kent County to memorialize Keagan Spencer, a third generation tow truck driver, who tragically lost his life while assisting others in need of his services on the highway.

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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