Monroe Review

State Representatives Jamie Thompson and Rylee Linting are advancing legislation aimed at redirecting taxpayer funds away from sanctuary policies and individuals violating federal immigration laws. House Bill 4340, proposed by Linting, seeks to restrict individuals in the United States illegally from receiving social welfare grants or participating in taxpayer-funded human services programs. Thompson’s proposal, House Bill 4341, applies similar restrictions to housing-specific programs. Both bills received committee approval today.

Linting, from Grosse Ile, explained, "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." She emphasized the fairness of using tax money for services benefiting legal residents who contribute to these programs.

The bills follow claims against the governor’s Newcomer Rental Subsidy Program, which allocates rental assistance to individuals in the country illegally, including those filing asylum claims to delay deportation.

Thompson, from Brownstown, spoke on the necessity of prioritizing limited resources, stating, "We have veterans living in cars. We have mothers working two jobs just to afford a motel room to house themselves and their children… My bill reflects a value that many of our constituents share: that public benefits funded by taxpayers should first serve those who are legally part of our communities."

Both bills will now proceed to the full House for consideration.