Fitzgerald Applauds AG Opinion; House Republican Funding Clawbacks Deemed Unconstitutional

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 8, 2025 — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion yesterday concluding that House Republicans’ maneuver to claw back $645 million in previously-approved funding was unconstitutional. The opinion follows weeks of immediate and relentless actions from legislative Democrats fighting to restore the dollars promised to kids, moms, families, small businesses and more.

In response, Democratic Floor Leader John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) issued the following statement:

“For weeks, House Democrats have been calling out the Republican clawbacks for what they are: a corrupt, unilateral weaponization of government. The opinion from the Attorney General affirms that House Republicans’ actions were not only unfair and harmful to families and communities across the state, but the move was also unconstitutional. When we make a promise, we must keep it.

“The moment the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee clawed back this funding without public input it told Michiganders that House Republicans are not interested in safeguarding good process and responsible governance.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that we stand up for good process in government and for the right of the people to have a say in decisions made by their leaders. Therefore, I am asking for and will be working to have the House take immediate action on HB 5389 to correct and improve work project oversight.”

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