Senate Leadership Praises AG Nessel’s Swift Action on Unconstitutional Republican Clawback Scheme

LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 7, 2026) — Today, Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an official opinion declaring the maneuvers House Republicans used to take back critical funding for projects and programs across the state illegal. Michigan Senate Democrats issued the following statements in reaction:

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids): 

“Not only was the House Republicans’ choice to steal money from the people of Michigan heinous, it was also unconstitutional. There’s no surprise here — when they can’t win in the Capitol, they try to bend the rules or break the law, hoping no one notices. But this time, people noticed. Pregnant and new moms who were counting on financial support noticed. Folks trying to combat the opioid epidemic noticed. And advocates for child abuse victims and those who help feed Michigan’s seniors noticed. I hope the thousands of people who reached out in distress over the past month can breathe a little easier, knowing that this will not stand. This group of Republican legislators is unscrupulous, and everyone should demand better.”

Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing): 

“The opinion issued today by the Attorney General is a lifeline for the countless non-profit organizations and local governments that have been left in limbo for weeks. I’m talking about county land banks forced to halt affordable housing projects, community centers unable to answer questions from parents about whether their child’s Head Start program will be open this week, and school districts scrambling to make their balance sheet whole — all because House Republicans made a unilateral decision about who is and isn’t worthy of receiving contractually agreed upon state funding.

“This opinion makes one thing clear: when you strip away the political theater and headlines, House Republicans don’t have a leg to stand on. Their reckless decision to block funding to these essential programs was not only ruthless, it was also unconstitutional. As Senate Appropriations Chair, and as a legislator who actually cares about delivering on the promises I made for the people I represent and to all Michiganders, we call for immediate release of the funds so these essential projects can move forward.” 

  

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