Detroit City Wire

State Representatives Jamie Thompson and Rylee Linting are advocating for the responsible use of taxpayer funds by limiting them from being directed toward sanctuary policies and individuals who have violated federal immigration laws.

Linting’s proposed legislation, House Bill 4340, aims to prevent individuals who are in the country illegally from receiving social welfare grants or participating in taxpayer-funded human services programs. Thompson's proposal, HB 4341, focuses on housing-specific programs. Both measures have been advanced by the House Government Operations Committee.

"Taxpayer dollars should not be used to reward people who broke the law to come here while cutting others in line who are attempting to establish status in our country legally," said Linting of Grosse Ile. She emphasized the unfairness to community members who contribute to these programs but struggle to budget their own needs, labeling the bills as commonsense approaches to protect and respect taxpayers.

The representatives criticized the governor's Newcomer Rental Subsidy Program, which offers rent subsidies of up to $500 per month to individuals in the country illegally, including those utilizing asylum claims to delay deportation.

"Housing dollars should be focused on helping seniors, working families, veterans, and people who are trying to get back on their feet," said Thompson of Brownstown, during his testimony to the House Government Operations Committee. Thompson highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable community members, such as veterans living in cars and mothers working multiple jobs for basic housing. He stressed that public benefits funded by taxpayers should prioritize those who are legally part of the community and in need of those resources.

The proposed bills will now be considered by the full House.