SE Grand Rapids News

Michigan State Representative Rachelle Smit (R-Hastings) has released explanations for her recent votes on a series of bills considered during the week of September 30. The measures addressed topics ranging from state budget allocations and infrastructure funding to environmental program fees and school aid.

Among the legislation was HB 4962, which would establish the Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund Act. Smit supported the bill, stating, "Advocates may argue that a member benefit fund allows for flexibility in adding and removing benefits as needed, as opposed to funds that are specifically to implement one benefit." The bill passed with a vote of 93-16.

Smit also voted in favor of HB 5055, amending police powers for House and Senate Sergeants. She explained her support: "Proponents of the bill may argue that this bill would improve the Sergeants’ ability to protect members of the legislature. It would empower the Sergeants to be able to provide security for and investigate threats toward or crimes committed against a legislator." This measure passed by a narrower margin of 61-48.

Regarding HB 4706, which sets out the FY2025-26 budget for multiple departments and branches, Smit cited concerns about wasteful spending: "One of the biggest areas of waste identified by House Republicans is the money set aside in the state budget for ghost employees. These employees don’t exist but departments take the funding anyway and use it as a slush fund. Taxpayers deserve better. We cut 2,000 ghost employees, freeing up hundreds of millions of dollars that can be redirected into fixing roads and improving public safety. This is a real step toward reining in waste and stopping the endless growth of bureaucracy in Lansing." The budget passed overwhelmingly at 101-8.

On SB 579, which eliminates sunset provisions while adding consumer price index adjustments to Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) program fees, Smit stated: "The legislature uses sunset language to ensure the periodic review of programs that may otherwise not receive oversite." The bill was approved with strong bipartisan support.

SB 273 extends fee authorizations related to pesticide product registrations and fertilizer sales through October 1, 2029. It also continues support for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Smit said: "MAEAP is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes, and all commodities voluntarily prevent agricultural environmental issues."

SB 577 amends safe drinking water regulations by extending fee authorization until October 1, 2029 for operator certification programs run by DEGLE. Smit commented: "The substitute bill extends the sunset allowing the legislature to periodically review the program and funding."

Smit also backed SB 565—allowing excess funds from local government reimbursement accounts to revert back into Michigan’s General Fund—saying: "Excess money in the fund shouldn’t remain in the fund, especially if we aren’t spending all of what is in the fund."

On SB 574—which ends annual deposits from Tobacco Settlement Revenue into Michigan’s Budget Stabilization Fund—Smit said: "Eliminating the earmark of Tobacco Settlement Funds will allow these funds to be used elsewhere."

For education funding under SB 166 (the FY2025-26 School Aid Omnibus Vehicle Bill), Smit highlighted increased resources: "Our budget provides record-high funding for Michigan schools with a per-pupil foundation allowance increase that was denied to schools last year. We’re investing $442 more per student, bringing the total foundation allowance to $10,050. Funding for free school breakfast and lunch was never in question. Our budget continues to provide dedicated resources for this program so families know their children will always have access to healthy meals at school."

She supported HB 4961 as well—a tax code alignment measure—stating: "This aligns state tax provisions with federal law and provides a tax break for working class Michiganders."

Finally, on road infrastructure legislation including HB4180 & SB578—a package dedicating over $1 billion specifically toward local roads—Smit remarked: "This package deal provides nearly $2 billion in critical funding for road repairs across the state ensuring that Michigan drivers have safer smoother roads and bridges. Investing in infrastructure not only improves daily life for residents but also strengthens our economy by supporting businesses and job growth."