Speaker Pro Tem Rachelle Smit presided over the Michigan House of Representatives as it passed a bipartisan plan to end race-based hiring practices in state government. The approved legislation mandates merit-based hiring for at-will state employees.
“Hiring decisions should be made based on merit, not skin color or gender identity,” said Smit, R-Martin. She elaborated that taxpayers prioritize qualifications over personal attributes when interacting with government employees, adding that state departments should focus on delivering efficient service rather than diversity quotas.
House Bill 4288, which requires state agencies to consider relevant education and work experience when hiring, imposes potential fines of up to $10,000 for violations. The bill was introduced by Rep. Erin Byrnes, D-Dearborn, and supported by over 30 House Democrats.
Smit expressed satisfaction with the Democratic support: “When I first heard about the overwhelming Democrat support to end DEI hiring in state government, I was over the moon,” she stated. Smit encouraged more Democrats to emulate Governor Whitmer in embracing merit-based hiring practices, noting this effort as a significant positive development.
