Michigan House Passes Measure Targeting Municipalities and Universities on Immigration
Summary
The Michigan House of Representatives has passed a measure, HR 19, along party lines, making municipalities and educational institutions ineligible for earmarked funding if they do not comply with certain immigration enforcement measures. The measure has been categorized as a rule change, not legislation, and therefore does not require the signature of Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Details and Rationale
The measure prohibits an appropriations bill or conference report from being voted on if it contains legislatively-directed spending items for recipients that actively maintain policies or ordinances that subvert immigration enforcement or refuse to comply with federal immigration measures. However, municipalities may certify that their bylaws do not contain language undermining immigration enforcement.
House Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus (R-Grand Rapids) stated that local governments seeking taxpayer money must first adhere to the law. House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Kalamazoo) emphasized that "sanctuary jurisdictions" will not receive funding for "splash-pads, Zen centers, [or] hip-hop academies." He clarified that constitutional revenue sharing would continue, but municipalities seeking additional funding must comply with the new rule.
Reactions
Hall asserted that letters from leaders of both Republican and Democratic towns indicate their willingness to comply with the measure. He emphasized the public’s rejection of sanctuary jurisdictions in Michigan.
Michigan’s House Democratic leader, Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), condemned the measure as a "power grab" that would create chaos in the budget process. He accused the Republican caucus of fearmongering and failing to address pressing issues like inflation mitigation.
Implications for Governor Whitmer
While Governor Whitmer could not be reached for comment, she has previously expressed moderate views on illegal immigration compared to other Democrats. In 2024, she remarked that undocumented immigrants should not receive state assistance.
Analysis
The passage of HR 19 reflects the ongoing political debate over immigration enforcement measures in the United States. Critics argue that targeting municipalities and universities for their immigration policies is an infringement on local authority and a departure from traditional funding practices. Supporters contend that it is necessary to ensure compliance with immigration laws and to prevent the creation of sanctuary jurisdictions that undermine federal efforts.
The measure’s classification as a rule change is significant, as it allows the House to bypass the Democratic-controlled Senate and the governor’s signature. This has drawn criticism from those who believe it undermines the traditional legislative process and the balance of power between the branches of government.
The full implications of HR 19 remain to be seen. It is unclear how many municipalities and universities will comply with the new rule and whether it will lead to a reduction in funding for certain programs or projects. Additionally, the measure could potentially face legal challenges in the future.
