LANSING, Mich., Jan. 7, 2026 — Michigan State Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion today concluding that House Republicans’ maneuver to clawback $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 to Nessel’s opinion, state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), member of the Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement:
“With the Attorney General now confirming that this move was unconstitutional, it’s even more clear that Republicans are pushing Michigan in the wrong direction. They are doubling down on policies that make it harder for Michigan families to put food on the table, afford a home or get good-paying jobs.
“Pulling nearly $645 million out of our communities and away from programs people rely on doesn’t strengthen our state; it puts our children’s future at risk. As a husband and father of three young kids, I am working for a Michigan where people can build a good life and retire with dignity — not struggle just to get by.”
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