Hope Urges House Republicans to Honor Attorney General Opinion Finding $645 Million Clawback Unconstitutional

HOLT, Mich., Jan. 7, 2026 — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion today concluding that the Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee’s decision to claw back more than $645 million in previously approved community projects was unconstitutional. The opinion follows weeks of immediate and relentless actions from legislative House Democrats fighting to urge the restoration of dollars promised to kids, moms, families, small businesses and more.

In response, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement:

“Attorney General Nessel’s opinion makes clear that once the Legislature lawfully authorizes funding, the state is obligated to follow the law as written. It reinforces a basic principle of good governance: public dollars cannot be treated as political leverage.

“Ignoring that principle has real consequences. When House Republicans voted to unilaterally claw back $645 million in previously approved funding last month, they injected uncertainty into local budgets, disrupted essential services, and eroded public trust. I will continue to insist that the House Republicans respect the Attorney General’s opinion, follow established legal processes, and honor the commitments the state has made to Michigan communities.”

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