Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026:

I voted NO on HB 5619 (Rep. Bollin) would provide omnibus appropriations for multiple departments and branches for fiscal year 2026-2027.

EXPLANATION: In typical fashion, we were given just one day to review the proposed budget. There are increases and decreases scattered throughout, and while there are productive line items, many of those will not make the final budget due to our divided state government. The Legislature could provide the hardworking people much needed financial relief, demand that they fund revenue increases, or leave the revenue streams alone. Last year, the Legislature agreed to net revenue increases totaling nearly $1 Billion. The people of Michigan deserve less government, and I fully support decreasing state revenues. At the bare minimum, there should not be revenue increases. However, this budget appears to be the first step of a process that will eventually increase state revenue, which is an additional financial burden that is forced on the people. I refuse to rubber stamp a rushed process without commitment that the final product will respect the taxpayers of Michigan.

PASSED: 56-51

I voted NO on HB 5630 (Rep. Bollin) would provide school aid appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027.

EXPLANATION: Similar to the omnibus, ample time was not provided to review the proposed education budget. The state will inevitably continue to increase funding for a failing government education system, especially if Republicans propose spending record funding levels as the start to negotiation efforts. Someone needs to take a stand for fiscal sanity and reason regardless of the perception.

PASSED: 56-49

I voted YES on HB 5715 (Rep. Schmaltz) would require the Michigan National Guard to provide payment to members of any status via direct deposit or electronic transfer. 

EXPLANATION: Problems arise when National Guard members are away from home, as they are unable to receive their paychecks. The brave men and women who serve in the National Guard should be compensated in an efficient manner, and ensuring they receive their payment by direct deposit or electronic transfer secures that they are paid, and that they are paid on time.

PASSED: 107-0

I voted YES on HB 4902-4904 (Reps.VanderWall, Meerman, DeBoer) would remove a professional disclosure statement requirement and remove several provisions relating to licensees credentialed before 1993. 

EXPLANATION: This is a technical fix to repeal an old law that is no longer applicable. It is good to remove outdated laws from the books.

PASSED: 107-0, PASSED: 107-0, PASSED: 107-0

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026:

I voted YES on HB 5301 (Rep. Bohnak) would expand the time period during which licensed hunters may carry an unloaded weapon while using artificial light when traveling to or from their hunting location. 

EXPLANATION: Government should reduce its burdens on hunters. Expanding the timeframe for hunters to use flashlights from one hour before shooting hours and one hour after shooting hours to two hours before shooting hours and two hours after shooting hours is a step in the right direction.

PASSED: 92-15