MUSKEGON, Mich., Jan. 7, 2025 — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion today declaring that House Republicans’ maneuver to claw back $645 million in previously approved work project funding was unconstitutional. The opinion follows weeks of immediate and relentless actions from legislative Democrats fighting to urge the restoration of dollars promised to kids, moms, families, small businesses and more.
In response, state Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) issued the following statement:
“Last month, when House Republicans unilaterally revoked $645 million in funding, I said it was one of the most corrupt abuses of power I have ever seen. The Attorney General’s opinion today makes it clear that this unprecedented move was both cruel and unconstitutional.
“This money was taken from programs that impact virtually every corner of our state. Again, this is not about Republicans or Democrats; this is about right and wrong. It is wrong to cut funding for prenatal and infant support; it is wrong to cut funding community enhancement grants; and it is wrong to cut funds for infrastructure projects that are already underway.
“I applaud the Attorney General for calling this what it is: an unconstitutional abuse of power based on established separation-of-powers principles. Correspondingly, I introduced bipartisan legislation that would fix this deceitful loophole and ensure that something like this never happens again.
“Our job as legislators should be about improving on our successes and fixing what’s broken, not creating new problems, uncertainty, and chaos. I will continue to fight against Republican cruelty and get this money back into the hands of the people.”
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