Capitol and Community Updates

• My upcoming July update on the federal budget’s impacts
• Legislative Updates
  • My resolution to censure an elected official’s racist comments
  • Recent votes in Lansing
• Community recognitions and resources

On July 7, I will be hosting a town hall about the impacts of recent federal actions on our community. Local leaders in education, social services and nonprofits will be on hand to explain the impact of these actions and how we as citizens can push back against them. Joining me at this event will be special guests state Rep. Natalie Price and state Sens. Mallory McMorrow and Stephanie Chang. The event will take place on Monday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m., at the Troy Community Center.

I was happy to recently host members of Equality Michigan, the state’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, in my office. We discussed ways to push back against hurtful, divisive rhetoric and legislation being directed against the LGBTQ+ community. I am a proud ally of the community and will always stand up to bullies.

In early May, my Republican colleague from the 66th House District, Rep. Joshua Schriver, made the following statement while giving a speech on the House floor:

“In 1970, 4.7 percent of our country was foreign-born. In 2000, that number jumped to 11.1 percent foreign-born. In 2030, that number’s projected to be almost 20 percent foreign-born. . . . The chasm in our country is not one of income, ideology, or faith, but of ethnicity and loyalty. . . . The largest population transfer in history is coming from all the races in Asia, Africa, Latin America. And they are not acclimating, they are not melting, and they are not reforming to the American way of life.”

This statement offended me on so many levels: it offended me as the representative of a district with one of the largest populations of Asian American and foreign-born residents, as someone who loves our Constitution’s promise of equality under the law, and as the daughter-in-law of Japanese Americans who were put in internment camps as children based only on their ethnicity and wrongly perceived lack of loyalty to America. I was outraged that the press barely covered these outrageous remarks and was determined to ensure these un-American comments did not go unchallenged.

Not a single Republican co-sponsored the resolution to censure Rep. Schriver. In a press statement, Schriver defended his remarks by stating that concerns about non-white immigration and demographic change are common among mainstream conservatives. I was shocked to read this. That’s why I decided to hold him accountable.

So, I introduced a resolution requesting that the House of Representatives formally censure Representative Schriver. I am thankful for all 39 of my Democratic colleagues who co-sponsored it.

Sadly, the resolution was referred to a committee where legislation typically “goes to die” rather than being adopted by the House. The Speaker of the House later defended Rep. Schriver, saying that he is “doing a great job.” While I am disappointed that my resolution was not adopted, I do not regret standing up for my wonderfully diverse district. I remain confident that the people of Michigan share my hatred of racism.

You can watch our full “Denouncing Hate” press conference here.

● I voted NO on the House’s resolution condemning the budget bills introduced and passed by Senate Democrats. The Senate Democrats’ budget is simply a starting point to open negotiations. The House Republican majority still has not submitted its final budget, even as the July 1 deadline rapidly approaches — putting the Legislature at risk of failing to meet our basic responsibilities. I am worried that House Republicans would rather force a shutdown of the state government than compromise with Senate Democrats on a reasonable budget.

● I voted NO on the House’s resolution to hold Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in civil contempt for refusing to provide certain documents to the House’s Oversight Committee. As I wrote in a previous e-blast, I am concerned about the lack of meaningful protections against sensitive election security information falling into the wrong hands, if Secretary Benson were to provide them to the Committee. In my view, malicious actors could use the information to impersonate a clerk on Election Day, interfere with the transportation of ballots, or hack into voting machines. Needless to say, this would make Michigan’s elections less secure and reduce faith in the democratic process.

● I voted NO on House Bills 4066 and 4469, which would prohibit some kids from playing on certain school sports teams. This legislation is aimed at transgender children. By singling out these youth, this legislation sends a message to trans kids that they are not welcome or accepted for who they are. I voted against this legislation because I don’t believe in bullying children to score political points.

Congratulations to my latest Nonprofit of the Month, Ridgedale Players in Troy! After presenting this award, I caught their excellent production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

Know a nonprofit in our community that’s doing great work? Nominate them to be my office’s Nonprofit of the Month! Fill out this form to get started.

Congratulations to my latest Small Business of the Month, Trevarrow Ace Hardware in Troy!

Each month, I recognize a small business in the community as our small business of the month. To nominate your favorite company for this recognition, please fill out this form for Small Business of the Month. I am also excited to recognize a Teacher of the Month! Teachers are the backbone of this nation, and our district has the BEST! Please fill out this form to recognize a Teacher of the Month.

Do you know someone in the district who is retiring and would like a legislative tribute to celebrate their years of service? Has a local team or group reached a milestone that they would like to be acknowledged with an official certificate for each member? Our office can provide legislative tributes, letters and certificates on a wide range of recognitions for constituents.

If you would like to request any of these materials for yourself or others, please email my office at SharonMacDonell@house.mi.gov with as much information as possible on the requested recognition and we will work with you to arrange delivery or presentation of the recognition!