The following column was published by the Lapeer County Press on Saturday, May 17

The Michigan Legislature has a responsibility to taxpayers who help fund state government to spend responsibly and uphold our laws.

I recently voted for plans that respect tax dollars instead of directing them towards sanctuary policies and individuals who are violating our federal immigration laws. House Bills 4340-41 make it clear — those who are in our country and state illegally would not be qualified to receive social welfare grants or participate in taxpayer-funded human services and housing-specific programs.

These programs are critical lifelines for law-abiding residents across our region. The dollars that go into them should be supporting our seniors, working families, veterans and people who are trying to get back on their feet. Throughout my time in the Michigan House, I have spoken with people who are struggling to make ends meet and afford basic necessities. There are veterans in our state who have served their country bravely but come home and don’t have a roof over their head. Single parents are sometimes forced to work multiple jobs at all hours of the day to provide for themselves and their families. In some circumstances, people who are between jobs have difficulty getting benefits they need to help pay bills.

Our resources are not unlimited, and our most vulnerable — many of whom pay into these programs — shouldn’t be forced to wait while we reward people who broke the law to come here. Over the past few years, we have unfortunately moved away from this principle. While the governor’s Newcomer Rental Subsidy Program provides up to $500/month in rent for refugees, those who are in the country illegally could still access these resources — including those who filed last-minute asylum claims just to delay deportations. In some cases, these individuals are being prioritized over struggling Michigan residents. That isn’t right.

I also voted for legislation which prohibits sanctuary policies within local and county governments. These sanctuary policies include local rules that prohibit law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials, which can sometimes lead to an uptick in the flow of illegal immigrants — including gang members, traffickers, and other violent criminals who seek refuge from deportation. As part of these plans, the state would withhold revenue sharing from counties and municipalities until they stop enforcing their sanctuary policies.

According to December data from the American Immigration Council, more than 88,000 illegal immigrants reside in Michigan. While not all have backgrounds of violent crime, several arrests have been made across the state just in the past few years involving illegal immigrants committing crimes that endanger communities and residents.

Just last month, three illegal immigrants were taken into custody by police in Houghton Lake following a sexual assault investigation, which resulted in one man being charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct. Two different murders occurred at the hands of an illegal immigrant over the course of 10 months in Grand Rapids. One was sentenced to life in prison without parole, and another was sentenced to nearly 40 years in prison. In Oakland County, local authorities have been making arrests as transnational gangs have been raiding homes, stealing valuables, and terrorizing families.

These plans put common sense, the rule of law, public safety and respect for our Constitution first. It’s what hardworking taxpayers and legal residents in our state deserve.