I’m here to serve you in complete transparency. I’m an autism clinician, not a politician. Only 2 of 110 State Representatives in Michigan reported every vote they made (and “why”) last term. Here are all my most recent votes and reasons (thru 3/9/23):
SB12 – Eliminate 3rd Grade Reading Law
NO- Michigan is ranked 43rd in the nation for reading performance, according to a Michigan Department of Education press release.[1] Michigan’s reading test scores must improve, but it must be done the right way. Eliminating standards does not adequately address this problem.
Effective reading programs must account for different learning styles. Moreover, there are means for parents to submit waivers to advance their children if they wish. These waivers are used in 90% of instances to give parents ultimate control over this law.
There are many studies that show reading does not come naturally for many students.[2] They must be effectively taught how to do it. This bill does not present a well-thought out plan to improve literacy rates in this state.
Vote on 3/7. PASSED 57-51.
HB4004 & HB4005 – Repeal the Right to Work
NO- 88% of Michigan voters polled agree (66% strongly agree, 22% somewhat agree) with the following statement: “Workers should have the right to decide whether to join a labor union. Workers should never be forced, or coerced, to join a union or pay dues to a union as a condition of employment.” This poll was published by the National Institute for Labor Relations Research.[3]
Economic development experts report roughly half of all major businesses will not consider locating in jurisdictions without the Right to Work.[4] In Michigan, labor unions have done a lot to improve working conditions in this State; however, I am against legislation that requires public sector employees to join as a condition of employment.
Votes on 3/8. Both PASSED 56-53.
HB4007 – Mandate Prevailing Wage
NO- These prevailing wage bills allow Lansing to set wage standards for bids on construction projects. Also, this bill puts in place confusing mandates contractors must comply with.
This bill benefits large construction companies at the expense of the little guy, because they are better equipped to absorb the higher costs. It wipes out local control and competitive bidding. Local school boards and city councils will not be allowed to pay less – even if they find higher quality at a lower price or more bang for their buck.
Vote on 3/8. PASSED 56-53.
SB4 & HB4003 – Add Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Protections to Public Accommodations
NO- Multiple amendments were put forward to protect faith-based institutions from religious discrimination. Unfortunately, these did not make it out of committee.
Before vote, many Southeast Michigan faith community leaders said this legislation could lead to discrimination against Christian schools, churches, pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and other similar institutions that still believe in the sanctity of marriage. Also, this law could be abused to penalize Christian wedding owners for not holding LGBTQ+ weddings.
The usable, inalienable, God-given rights of all Michigan residents are protected by the Constitution, without discrimination. I solemnly swear to uphold these rights for all, without discrimination.
Votes on 3/8. Both PASSED 64-45.
HB4138, HB4142, HB4143 – A New Registry of All Guns and Additional Ineffective Background Checks
NO- Universal background checks are unenforceable without mandatory registration, which is illegal under the 1986 Gun Control Act and the 1993 Brady Act.
Also, a 2013 Justice Department review of violence prevention studies found that even a “perfect universal background check system” would not address the largest sources of gun crimes. Furthermore, the study found that effectiveness would depend on “requiring gun registration.” [5]
This could target law-abiding citizens for loaning a firearm to friends and family members and make lawful gun transfers more difficult.
These bills make it more cumbersome for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and others. The 2nd Amendment clearly says the right to keep and bear arms “shall not be infringed.” Furthermore, our Founding Fathers implemented the 2nd Amendment after experiencing British tyranny firsthand prior to America’s Founding in 1776. It’s an essential line of defense against senseless violence.
Votes on 3/8. All PASSED 56-53.
[1] Michigan NAEP Results Reflect National Declines Due to the Pandemic – State of Michigan Department of Education Press Release. Date: October 24, 2022
[2] Hard Words: Why aren’t kids being taught to read? – American Public Media
[3] 11/29/2022 Right to Work Poll, conducted by the National Institute for Labor Relations Research
[4] William J. Moore, “The Determinants and Effects of Right-to-Work Laws: A Review of the Recent Literature,” Journal of Labor Research, No. 19 (Summer 1998), pp. 445–469, and W. Robert Reed, “How Right-to-Work Laws Affect Wages,” Journal of Labor Research, Vol. 24, No. 4 (October 2003), pp. 713–730.
[5] Greg Ridgeway, Ph.D., “Summary of Select Firearm Violence Prevention Strategies,” National Institute of Justice, Jan. 4, 2013
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Please reach out to me through phone/email/letter with any desires and concerns you have related to the full scope of my position as your State Representative!
Sincerely,
Josh Schriver
State Representative
Michigan House District 66
CONTACT REPRESENTATIVE SCHRIVER
(517) 373-0839
[email protected]
www.RepSchriver.com
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