Oops: Democrat State Rep. Accidentally Introduced Bill Eliminating DEI Hiring In Michigan Government

Erin Byrnes 

 By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

On May 1st, in a 105-1 vote, the State House overwhelmingly passed legislation banning the use of DEI hiring practices in state government, as well as requiring merit
based decision-making.

State agencies that break the proposed law would be fined up to $10,000 for every violation.

Sources tell West Michigan Politics that the bill was accidentally sponsored and introduced by Erin Byrnes, a House Democrat from Dearborn. 

Apparently, Byrnes mistakenly thought it was a gender-based pay mandate bill.

Democrats actually tried to avoid admitting or drawing attention to the embarrassing mistake by agreeing to vote for the bill---and then tried to lie about what it does. 

That ridiculous plan did not work, obviously.  

And in many ways, the fiasco was a sign of what was to come from the Senate a few weeks later---first with a supplemental budget bill designed to cover up for their past mistakes--- then with their horrendous, error-filled 2026 spending plan.

Interestingly, Byrnes legislation was originally introduced last session by State Rep. Angela Rigas, though the bill went nowhere under Speaker Joe Tate.

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Senate Dems Want $8 Million For Pilot Program Tracking And Taxing The Number Of Miles You Drive

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com) 

Lansing Democrats have concocted yet another scam to try and steal money from hard working Michiganders: tracking---then taxing---the number of miles you drive! 

Senate Dems have even included $8 million in their new budget proposal for a pilot program testing the plan...

Obviously, this radical money grab has no chance of passing the House with Speaker Matt Hall, but the fact it's even being discussed is indicative of how misguided many Dem legislators are...

Stay tuned!  

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Ottawa County Commission Vice Chair Josh Brugger Censured For Comparing President Trump To Hitler

Josh Brugger

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Ottawa County Commission Vice Chair Josh Brugger has been censured by the Ottawa County Republican Party for his controversial statement comparing President Trump to Hitler.    

The condemnation, which was unanimous, comes after a West Michigan Politics report about Brugger's controversial remarks.  

Brugger, a Republican from Grand Haven, blasted the decision in a feisty statement on social media, urging his supporters to take over the Ottawa GOP.

"Another censure...

I was quite disappointed but not surprised to learn yesterday that the executive committee of the Ottawa Impact controlled Ottawa County Republican Party moved forward with a decision to condemn me for comments I made about president Trumps’ words and actions in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. More significantly, I am disappointed that they would do so by claiming I said something that I simply did not say.

For context, on February 19, after having a phone conversation with President Putin, President Trump called President Zelensky a dictator. Ten days later, President Trump, kicked President Zelensky out of the Oval Office and “sent him packing” back to Ukraine.

After months of escalating rhetoric and now these actions, I made a Facebook comment underscoring the view of a veteran history teacher who shared that we were witnessing something profoundly historic. In over a century of European and American history, no American President had ever sided with the leader of an invading nation in Europe. In WWI, WWII, the Cold War, and even in Kosovo, American presidents were always found standing against the aggressor who led their army and/or imposed their ideology on sovereign nations.

In response to my friend’s post and to what we were witnessing on the world stage in the month of February, I describe a cartoon that would sum up this historical paradigm shift.

On one side we’d find the likeness of President Trump standing in support of the leaders of nations who had done the very thing that Vladimir Putin was doing in Ukraine. On the other side would be the Statue of Liberty and all the American Presidents who had stood strong for liberty in Europe.

President Trump supporting and standing alongside all the European aggressors of present and past wars is not to say that that President Trump compares to them. Some in America may feel this way, but that is not what I said.

Donald Trump is no Adolph Hitler. He is our democratically elected president. As president of the United States of America, he is the figurative representative of mankind’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, protected by our Constitution, and symbolized by an outward facing Statue of Liberty.

It was to the shock of many in the United States and around world that President Trump said what he said and did what he did in February.

I can’t change history, and I can’t change what President Trump did on those days. I can only acknowledge what happened and call it for what it was, a profoundly historic paradigm shift in American foreign policy.

The fortunate thing is that history is written in time, and President Trump still has time to write (right) history. I hope and believe that President Trump can write an America First history that doesn’t require the sacrifice of the principles and ideals that our nation was founded on.

The most telling remark made to me by a member of the executive committee was this: “What you said wouldn’t be offensive if you admitted that you were a Democrat.”

What’s really happening here is the continued condemnation of Republicans who don’t bow down to Ottawa Impact’s sense of what it means to be a Republican.

Nationally we’re witnessing this with the condemnation of Republicans who don’t bow down to Donald Trump. What we’re witnessing is round two of McCarthyism.

President Trump's apparent alignment with Vladimir Putin makes this all the more ironic.

While McCarthy was hell bent on rooting out Communists in America, today’s zealots are hell bent on finding and condemning any Republican who doesn’t fully bend the knee to President Trump. Followers of Ottawa Impact ardently do the same here, seeking to root out anyone who won’t swear allegiance to their ideology.

Considering the blatant misrepresentation of what I said and the mouths from which it came, I count it as an honor to be criticized and condemned/censured by these individuals.

This censure for exercising a Constitutionally protected right to free speech, is even more profoundly telling of how misguided this group has become.

It is for me the third time. The first two times, I was censured with a group of real Republicans who refused to bow down to them, and who to this day, continue to stand up against them.

In the end for Senator Joseph McCarthy, truly patriotic Americans, both Republicans and Democrats stood up and said, enough is enough. McCarthy’s followers on the other hand, dwindled and disappeared and he was left holding a real censure from the United States Senate.

The Ottawa County GOP was once the jewel of the Republican Party in Michigan. When the Ottawa Impact faction rose to power on the heels of Covid, they gutted the local GOP and brought chaos to both party and county.

When stoic, wise, Winston Churchill type leaders like Political Scientist and Hope College Professor Dr. Jack Holmes, who successfully led the Republican party here and throughout the State of Michigan for decades, are unceremoniously kicked to the curb and it is stated, “don’t let the door hit you on the way out Jack,” that should tell the Republican party faithful all they need to know about the character and wisdom of this group.

While it’s not for someone as flawed as I am to lead the charge, I suggest it’s nearing time for the true Republicans in Ottawa County to step up and to “take back” the Ottawa County GOP. It’s nearing time to restore it to the wise, thoughtful, fiscally responsible, and compassionately conservative organization that it once was.

In Chapter One, Republicans, Independents, and Democrats together took back Ottawa County government for all residents.

As we begin to turn the page to Chapter Two where we find the story of the Ottawa County GOP unfolding, after all that has already been accomplished, I am optimistic that that this chapter will be just as good as the first."

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨Breaking: Benson Becomes First Statewide Elected Official EVER Held In Contempt By The Michigan House As Speaker Hall Leads Push To Hold SOS Accountable For Her Crimes And Coverups🚨

Speaker Hall and Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson 

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson was held in contempt by the Michigan House of Representatives Thursday, becoming the first statewide Constitutional officer EVER to be held in contempt by the legislature in state history.

Sources tell West Michigan Politics that on the orders of Speaker Hall, House Legal Counsel Andrew Fink was instrumental behind the scenes in holding Benson in contempt. 

House Legal Counsel Andrew Fink

Speaker Hall also plans to have Jay DeBoyer and the Oversight Committee investigate Whitmer's appointees throughout state government. 

Sources say that Speaker Hall has authorized Fink and House Oversight Chair Jay DeBoyer to use "any and all constitutional means available to not only make sure Benson complies with the Legislature's directives, but to also make sure that all of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Departments are held accountable under the same standards."

This dispute arises out of Benson's refusal to comply with a House Oversight Committee subpoena demanding she provides documents about how Benson runs Michigan's elections.

Earlier this week, Attorney General Dana Nessel ruled that Benson violated election law holding a press conference at the Austin Building in Lansing announcing her run for Governor, but Nessel didn't even issue her a small fine.

Benson busted for her campaign announcement stunt while her real crimes go unpunished reminded me of when Jeffrey Dahmer got pulled over for driving erratically (and then immediately let go) while he had his first body dismembered in the trunk!

Stay tuned...

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Make Michigan Safe Again: Speaker Hall's "Public Safety And Violence Prevention Trust Fund" Plan Supports Police Departments Statewide

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Michigan Speaker Of The House Matt Hall's bold and much needed plan to help reduce violent crime in communities all across Michigan has received overwhelming bipartisan support in Lansing.

The plan allocates 1.5% of money generated from the state's sales tax every year to the new "Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund." 

With current budget estimates, that would mean ~$115 million a year for local police, starting in September of 2026. 

The money would be distributed to communities based on their local crime rates. If they fail to show progress in decreasing crime, their allotment from the fund could be reduced, then given to other communities who are doing a better job. 

The plan requires local governments to use the resources to increase financial support for public safety, as well as violence intervention efforts.

“We want the money going to where it should go, which is going directly to putting police on the street and getting them the equipment they need, not filling budget holes," Speaker Hall said.

4 of the 20 most violent cities in the country are in Michigan, and 9 of the top 100 according to recent FBI statistics. Statewide, violent crime is 7% higher from 2019-2023 than in 2014-2018, and murders are up nearly 20%.

Here is how that $115 Million breaks down every year:

-$72 million goes to cities, villages, and townships, with the amount they receive based on their share of the statewide violent crime rate. 

-$40 million goes to county sheriff’s offices, distributed according to the size of each county’s police force. 

-$1.5 million would go to the Crime Victim’s Rights Fund, supporting victims and their families.

-$1.5 million would be available for grants for community violence intervention initiatives.

State Representatives Mike Harris and Brian Begole have been instrumental in moving the legislation forward, and House Bills 4260 and 4261, which create the fund, were passed overwhelmingly by the House with a bipartisan vote of 104-4. 

State Rep. Mike Harris

Rep. Harris, who served nearly 30 years in local law enforcement, says that strong public safety is the foundation for the success of communities.  

“Public safety is the most fundamental promise any government can make to its people," Harris said. "Without safe communities, nothing else works. The Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund is a serious, targeted response to the violent crime crisis that is raging in Michigan communities. Our bipartisan plan will dedicate funding every year to making our state safer. It will increase support for local law enforcement officers combating crime, and it will boost local teams of citizens working to intervene before situations ever turn violent."

The plan also provides accountability and transparency, ensuring Michiganders are seeing results.  

Starting in the 2027 fiscal year, a community’s share of funding would be reduced by 5% if its violent crime rate has not decreased from its base level by 5%. Beginning in the 2029 fiscal year, that rises to 10%. 

The legislation is backed by the Police Officers Association of Michigan, who said "These critical pieces of legislation would direct a portion of the state’s sales tax revenue into a newly established Public Safety Trust Fund. If passed, this funding would be allocated to local police departments and county sheriff’s offices across Michigan, providing much-needed resources for equipment, recruitment, retention, and training initiatives."

POAM leaders testified in support of the bill, and "spoke directly to the urgent needs facing departments across the state, citing staffing shortages and increasing demands on law enforcement professionals. Their testimony reinforced the importance of sustainable funding to support safe communities and effective policing."

The bills now proceed to the Senate for consideration.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan urged Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and her fellow Senators to get behind this important legislation.

“Republicans, Democrats and independents are coming together on this,” Duggan said in a press conference with Speaker Hall. “So, it’s time for Senate Democrats to get on board and listen to their local police and support funding for our police.”

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall

State Rep Alabas Farhat, a Democrat from Dearborn who is co-sponsoring the legislation, said the Senate delaying the fund's creation will cost people their lives.

“The longer we wait, the more people will die. It’s that simple. We give police departments the money they need, they’re going to disrupt the crime,”  Farhat said. “This is an issue that impacts every Michigander, whether you live in a blue district or a red district, whether your Sheriff's a Democrat or Republican---no matter where you live, you’re touched by this issue. So just get it done. Take the politics out of it. Get it done.”

Once again, Speaker Hall has the balls to stay focused on doing what's best for Michigan---not playing partisan games, or doing what's best for Lansing lobbyists and special interests.

Speaker Hall has put violent criminals on notice, and let our police know that help is on the way.  #MakeMichiganSafeAgain

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Speaker Of The House Matt Hall Is Making The Lansing Establishment Feel The "HEAT"

 

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Blogspot.com)

Lansing, like DC, has been described as a swamp---but it's REALLY actually more like a big ol' nasty pigpen---and Speaker Of The House Matt Hall is making the pigs squeal.

President Reagan famously said (while talking about Congress), "if you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat."

Reagan passed away in 2004, but his spirit is alive and well in the Michigan legislature with Speaker Hall as he fights the Lansing establishment.

Hall's marquee proposal is even literally named HEAT: The Hall Ethics, Accountability, & Transparency Plan.

Legislator Autonomy When Hiring And Firing Staff 

Immediately upon taking office as Speaker, Matt Hall ended the controversial practice that was long used for decades in Lansing allowing the Speaker to control the staffers of a legislator. 

Now, our State Representatives hire and fire their own employees without any threats or pressure from the Speaker's office---a remarkable change giving House members the freedom to say what's on their mind and vote how they'd like---without losing their staff.

Lame Duck Reform

For far too long, under both Republican and Democrat "leadership," Lansing politicians have rammed all sorts of horrendous bills through during what's known as lame duck, the time period after the November election is already over, but before new elected officials take office January 1st.

A few years ago, Senate Majority Leader  Arlan Meekhof held Senators hostage in the Senate chamber under threat of arrest shortly before Christmas, forcing them to vote on a heap of horrendous legislation.

 And just last year, when Joe Tate was Speaker Of The House, he unsuccessfully tried to do the same thing!

Those days are over. 

Speaker Hall is now requiring a 2/3ds vote of the State House in order to move any legislation forward in lame duck, a truly revolutionary move that has sent shockwaves through the big lobbying and consulting firms.  Lobbyists just lost one of the dirtiest tricks in their playbook!

Banning Legislators From Signing NDA's

Recently, elected officials have been busted signing non-disclosure agreements with private entities, foreign governments, corporations, and other groups.

In one case, Senator Elissa Slotkin signed a secret NDA with the controversial Chinese company Gotion!

In another, State Senator Curtis Hertel signed a secret NDA with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. 

Lansing politicians need to honor their oath and follow the Constitution, not make secret deals they hide from their Constituents!

Speaker Hall's bipartisan plan stops legislators from hiding behind NDAs.

2 Year Lobbying Ban

In 2022, with 6 months still left to go in his term, State Rep. Jim Lilly bailed on his seat to be the chief lobbyist and leader of Government Affairs at Spartan Nash.

Such brazen greed and blatant disrespect of Michigan taxpayers is totally legal---but Speaker Hall has a plan to stop it.

Under Speaker Hall's legislation, sleazy politicians like Jim Lilly would have to wait 2 years before they can be lobbyists in Michigan.

Hall also wants to close the loophole that actually allows current legislators to lobby in other states WHILE they are in office!  

Ending Secret Appropriations Earmarks 

Legislators can no longer secretly request money for special projects without identifying themselves.

For example, in 2023, Fay Beydoun, a Metro Detroit woman connected to Governor Whitmer, received a $20 million grant now under investigation by Attorney General Dana Nessel. 

Beydoun famously spent $4,500 on a coffee maker with taxpayer money! Which legislator earmarked the money for her is still unknown...

Not only that, but all the requests from State House members are now publicly available in a searchable database. 

Unlike most things Jocelyn Benson does, this website actually works, and is easy to use!

For years, the Lansing establishment looted billions from taxpayers with these BS tricks---not anymore under Speaker Hall.

Expanded, Comprehensive House Oversight Committee 

Speaker Hall has given the House Oversight Committee historic authority to issue subpoenas as it investigates Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and others.

Usually, subpoenas at House Oversight have to be dealt with individually, on a case by case basis---not anymore. 

The Oversight Committee now has the ability to subpoena whoever they need to in order to get answers.

One of the biggest issues the Oversight Committee is investigating is "how the Government abused its authority and failed in public transparency during COVID."

The controversial Chinese Gotion scandal is also on the agenda, among many other important subjects.

Speaker Hall’s MAJOR expansion of the House Oversight Committee in order to make sure the investigations cover all the bases includes 6 subcommittees:

-Weaponization of State Government

-Child Welfare System

-Corporate Subsidies and State Investments

-Public Health and Food Security

-Homeland Security and Foreign Influence

-State and Local Public Assistance Programs

Speaker Hall’s creation of Oversight subcommittees is unprecedented!

We will talk more in-depth about what is going on in all the areas of the House Oversight Committee soon, you can be sure of that!

No Speaker before him has had the balls to fight the Lansing establishment so fiercely. 

Speaker Hall has already repeatedly proven he cares about delivering real results for Michiganders, not bending over for the lobbyists or special interest groups.

Democrats ran their mouths talking about transparency for YEARS, but now that Speaker Hall has come up with a real plan, Dems might as well be in witness protection! 

Most disappeared---they don't actually care about transparency, they just want to find things to bitch about.

Conservatives---and Michiganders of all political stripes who actually want a government that works for the people---have been blessed with a State House Republican Majority under Speaker Hall that fights for what's right, not what's best for Lansing lobbyists and special interests. 

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨State Rep. Parker Fairbairn’s "Ice Storm Emergency Recovery" Bill Passes State House With 107-1 Vote🚨

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn’s emergency legislation to provide $100 million in much needed state relief for Northern Michigan and UP after the devastating and historic ice storm in March was passed 107 to 1 in the State House on Wednesday.

The destruction was described in some areas as equivalent to an EF5 tornado, or a Category 5 hurricane... 

The bill now heads to the State Senate, where it is expected to be passed, then signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  State Rep. Steve Carra was the only "no" vote.

The plan could also help with obtaining federal disaster relief funding.

“This was a once-in-a-generation weather event,” Fairbairn said during a floor speech, Wednesday. “Ice coated trees, powerlines, radio and cell towers, roads, rooftops, cars and homes. The thickness and weight of which snapped limbs, power poles, broadcast antennas, electrical masts, and structural supports across Northern Michigan.”

House Bill 4328 provides disaster relief grants to reimburse property owners, businesses and local governments for cost associated with repairs and clean-up necessitated by storm damage.

“Residents and local governments have been doing everything they can to clear hurricane-level debris and make repairs,” Fairbairn said. “But, after weeks of work, personal and municipal finances are stretched thin. This plan would provide a hand-up to Northern Michigan during a time when it has been laid low by Mother Nature.”

Fairbairn, elected in 2024, lives in Harbor Springs, representing Charlevoix County and Emmet County, as well as portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties.

Fairbairn speaks on behalf of HB4328, joined by other Northern Michigan and UP legislators

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨Breaking: Ronna Romney And Shane Hernandez Joining Forces To Help Michigan Republicans Win In 2026🚨

Ronna Romney, center, chats with Shane Hernandez and Tudor Dixon in 2022

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Sources tell West Michigan Politics that Ronna Romney and Shane Hernandez will lead a major organization to help support Republicans in important state races throughout Michigan in 2026. 

The races for Governor, Secretary Of State, and Attorney General---as well as many swing State House and State Senate districts---are the group's top targets. 

Romney and Hernandez are said to have millions in donor commitments already lined up...

Hernandez, a popular former State Representative, currently helps lead Associated Builders and Contractors in Michigan as its President. 

Romney is the controversial former Chair of the Republican National Committee. 

She had recently been linked to a PAC supporting John James in his run for Governor, which she is no longer associated with.

The new Romney/Hernandez group will likely continue on after November of 2026, into 2028, and possibly beyond. 

It's also not fully clear how exactly this new project will impact the Michigan Freedom Fund.

Sources say operations at MFF will look significantly different in lieu of this new effort, as there is a correlation between the two...

Stay tuned!

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com