Weeks have passed with House Republicans canceling session while a final state budget remains unnegotiated

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 6, 2025 — As days continue to pass without a final budget to fund schools and essential services, House Republicans are once again focusing on politics instead of people. In response, House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) issued the following statement: 

“House Republicans’ continued inaction on the budget is unacceptable. Every day another news story comes out highlighting how difficult it is for the average Michigander to get by in Trump’s America; if his caucus is going to demonstrate the slightest bit of concern for the Michigan workers, families and kids, who will suffer if we don’t pass a budget, Hall must immediately resume negotiations. Every day of Republican inaction brings us closer to government shutdown.

“My caucus and I are eager to work in good faith to pass a budget on time, but Hall’s inability to control his own caucus stymies even straight forward legislation from passing. Despite desperate attempts to claim otherwise, House Democrats are in alignment on supporting the removal of cell phones from the learning environment; we just happen to support the better legislation, which was vetted by the very educators who will implement the policy that rests in the Senate. Yet instead of being willing to compromise on his caucus’ version, Hall walked away from negotiations, refused to communicate, and tried to pass it without Democratic support. He chose partisanship and defeat instead of partnership and progress. More importantly, while this issue is meaningful and requires serious attention from the Legislature, Hall being unable to navigate even that simple task underscores how in over his head he is with the entire budget process.

“The reality is that Hall’s impotence has led to total dysfunction within the House Republican caucus. His incompetence has led to budget gridlock. And his punitive political games–like stripping a member of their committee leadership post, moving bills out of committees to curb the power of a chair he disagrees with, or shifting the goalpost on enhancement grants–are another sign of his inability to lead or to work in good faith. House Democrats are ready to come in and actually get work done instead of hosting another nonsensical, meandering press conference. Hall should demonstrate some leadership and try our approach for a change.” 

 

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