Demanding Answers for Election Integrity

For months, Michigan’s Election Integrity Committee Chair has been working to obtain public records from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson regarding:

• How election clerks are being trained
• New rules or policies impacting elections
• Legal guidance given to election officials

So far, these requests have gone unanswered—but transparency is non-negotiable. Elections belong to the people, not bureaucrats working behind closed doors.

Deadline: March 25 – If records aren’t released by then, a subpoena may be issued to ensure full transparency.

Why This Matters:

• Michigan residents deserve to know how their elections are being conducted.
• Trust in elections depends on openness and accountability.
• A transparent system ensures fairness and integrity for every voter.

Fair elections build trust in our government. I am committed to making sure every legal vote counts and every process remains clear and open.

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Protecting Women’s Sports – House Resolution 40

This week, the House took a stand for fairness by passing House Resolution 40 (66-43), urging the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to protect the integrity of women’s sports.

Why This Matters:

• Women’s sports exist to celebrate female athletes and ensure fair competition.
• Scholarships, championships, and athletic opportunities should be determined by skill and hard work.
• This resolution sends a strong message that our state legislature stands with female athletes.

Every young woman deserves the chance to compete in a fair and equal environment. This resolution, which I voted in favor of, is a big step toward protecting the integrity of women’s sports.

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Empowering Students with Scientific Truth – New Bill on Fetal Development in Schools

This week, I co-sponsored a bill to require Michigan schools to teach fetal development as part of sex education.

Why This Matters:

• Students deserve the facts about human development in the womb.
• Medical science confirms personhood from the earliest stages of life.
• By six weeks, a baby’s heartbeat begins. By twelve weeks, the baby can respond to touch.

This bill ensures that Michigan students receive accurate, science-based education about life before birth. Knowledge empowers young people to make informed choices and understand the incredible beauty of human development.

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Protecting Local Control

Recently, I co-sponsored House Bills 4027-4028, which focus on restoring local control over zoning decisions. Right now, Michigan law forces local communities to follow state-imposed zoning rules tied to certain energy policies. These bills remove many of those mandates, allowing local governments to decide what works best for their own communities.

In simple terms, these bills make sure that local officials—not state bureaucrats—have the final say on how land is used in their communities. That means property owners, businesses, and local leaders can make zoning decisions that fit their area’s needs without unnecessary state interference.

By supporting these bills, we’re ensuring that local communities maintain control over their own land use policies while still being able to pursue responsible growth and energy initiatives in a way that makes sense for them.

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Co-Sponsorship: National Guard Apprenticeship Program

Today, I co-sponsored a yet-to-be-introduced bill to bridge the gap between National Guard Service and Michigan’s workforce.

Our veterans and National Guard members have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and we must ensure they have opportunities for success when they transition to civilian life. That’s why my colleagues and I have worked on an initiative to establish a National Guard Apprenticeship Program to allow a seamless transition from service to workforce without unnecessary, redundant, costly courses and credits.

This program aims to connect veterans with skilled trade apprenticeships, ensuring they have access to good-paying jobs while strengthening our workforce and economy. If a National Guardsman learns how to fix trucks during his time in the service, he should not be required to spend time and money to learn what he already knows how to do before earning money in his trade.

I’ll be working with stakeholders to develop this program and will share updates as we make progress.

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Demanding Transparency – Where Is Our Tax Money Going?

Michiganders work hard for their money, and they deserve to know exactly how state funds are being used. This week, I took action on two critical issues:

Ensuring Public Benefits Go to Eligible Residents

I’ve formally requested data from Michigan’s Health Department (MDHHS) on how public benefits are being distributed.

Key Questions Submitted:

• How many people receiving SNAP and Medicaid benefits cannot verify U.S. citizenship?
• Are state workers required to verify lawful status before issuing benefits?
• What safeguards exist to prevent fraud?

Taxpayer dollars should be used responsibly to help those who truly need it. Clear answers will ensure these programs serve Michigan families fairly and effectively.

Requesting Data on How Your Tax Dollars Were Spent on Flint Water Crisis Litigation

Michigan taxpayers deserve to know how their hard-earned dollars are being spent—especially when it comes to legal battles surrounding the Flint Water Crisis. That’s why I’ve joined my colleagues in calling on the Attorney General’s office to provide full transparency regarding taxpayer money used in litigation related to this crisis.

The people of Michigan have a right to accountability, and we must ensure that public funds are not being misused or hidden from scrutiny. Our letter demands a clear breakdown of expenditures, legal fees, and settlements to ensure that justice is served without unnecessary financial burdens on taxpayers.

As the Majority Vice Chair of the Oversight Committee on Government Weaponization, I will continue to fight for transparency and responsible government spending on behalf of all Michiganders. Stay tuned for updates as we push for answers.

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House Floor – Last Week’s Key Votes

Yes Votes – Bills I Supported:

• HB 4003 – Honoring a fallen hero by naming a portion of US-131 after Sgt. Matthew Webber. (Vote: 108-0)
• HB 4046 – Paying tribute to Trooper James E. Boland by naming a portion of US-31 in his honor. (Vote: 108-0)
• HB 4018 – Protecting children at crime scenes by setting rules for how police transport minors. (Vote: 74-34)
• HB 4150 – Helping fix the teacher shortage by eliminating fees for educators applying for or renewing licenses. (Vote: 83-26)
• HB 4151 – Making it easier for teachers to get certified in subjects they already know. (Vote: 96-13)
• HB 4153 – Allowing local school districts to issue teaching certificates, speeding up the hiring process. (Vote: 57-52)

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No Votes – Bills I Opposed:

• HB 4060 – Increased local ballot initiatives to raise taxes for career education programs. (Vote: 107-2-0)
• HB 4025-26 – Unfair tax exemption on gun safes, raises concerns over potential government surveillance on firearm-related purchases. (Votes: 96-11 & 95-12)

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Looking Ahead – Rebuilding Michigan

This week’s progress shows what we can accomplish when lawmakers stand for transparency, fairness, and strong families.

• I am fighting to ensure elections remain open and accountable to the people.
• I am protecting opportunities for female athletes to compete on a fair playing field.
• I am promoting science-based education that values life and human development.
• I am holding state agencies accountable for how they spend your tax dollars.

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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 or comments, please contact me at [email protected].

In God We Trust,

Representative Josh Schriver