Holland Reporter

In the legislative session for the week of April 22, Representative Smit shared insights into their voting decisions on various bills presented in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Regarding HB 5527 and HB 5528, which focus on cardiac emergency response plans in schools and CPR training for athletic coaches, Rep. Smit explained their NO vote by expressing concerns about the potential financial burden on the School Aid budget, stating, "The unknown increased cost to the School Aid budget would be enormous."

On HB 4618, involving regional airport authorities in publicly funded health insurance contributions, Rep. Smit justified their NO vote by cautioning against the expansion of entities covered under the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act, noting, "We already have special carve-outs for the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority and other airports, this is a slippery slope if we keep adding in all these different types of entities that are not explicitly already included."

In a positive stance, Rep. Smit supported HB 4519, designating May 2 as "Negro Leagues Day," emphasizing Michigan's unique connection to the history of the Negro leagues and the importance of recognizing the Detroit Stars, stating, "Michigan has a unique part in the history of the Negro leagues and recognizing the Detroit Stars is a good opportunity to educate people while celebrating that history."

However, Rep. Smit opposed HBs 5077 & 5078, related to opioid antagonist activities, expressing concerns about the potential misuse of resources without proper verification, stating, "Without verification of need or on-site treatment, these valuable life-saving resources may end up not being properly used or used at all."

Additionally, Rep. Smit voted against HB 5534, the "Trial Court Funding Act of 2024," citing the importance of maintaining local control over trial court operations and funding, stating, "Local control over the operations and funding of the trial courts should not be shifted from local elected officials to unelected Lansing bureaucrats."

Finally, in support of HB 5392 to extend the sunset date on trial courts' ability to impose court costs, Rep. Smit highlighted the necessity of maintaining the current revenue stream for the operational continuity of local trial courts, stating, "The current revenue stream should be maintained so that local trial courts can remain operational. Therefore, extending the sunset is necessary."