House Republicans introduce plan to protect against ESG policies

State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township) and several House Republican colleagues today introduced a six-bill package to protect Michigan’s economy, retirees, and students from politically motivated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies that attempt to influence companies based on subjective, non-financial factors like social welfare and political views, rather than traditional measures like profit and risk.

The plan keeps Michigan’s investments focused on performance and accountability.

“Taxpayer and retirement funds should be invested to achieve the best possible financial return,” Bollin said. “This plan ensures our state’s resources are invested responsibly and based on merit and results. Michigan’s financial decisions should serve people, not politics.”

Under the plan:

• House Bill 5237, sponsored by Bollin, bans state retirement funds from being invested in ESG initiatives.
• House Bills 5238-5240, sponsored by Reps. Jerry Neyer, Luke Meerman and Sarah Lightner, prohibit banks, savings banks, and credit unions from restricting services to farmers based on environmental policy positions or politics and empower the attorney general and agriculture commissioner to investigate violations.
• House Bill 5241, sponsored by Rep. Cam Cavitt, prohibits companies that contract with the state from boycotting or discriminating against industries like energy production, mining, agriculture, timber, or firearms in pursuit of political goals.
• House Bill 5242, sponsored by Rep. Tim Kelly, requires accrediting agencies to consider certain non-academic factors in college accreditation decisions.

Lightner, R-Springport, said the package protects farmers and rural communities from unfair banking practices tied to ESG policies.

“Our farmers work hard every day to feed Michigan families and support our economy,” Lightner said. “They should have reliable access to banking and credit services without being judged by political or environmental standards. These bills make sure their livelihoods are protected.”

Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, said his bill promotes fairness and accountability in how the state does business.

“Companies that partner with the state should be evaluated on the quality of their work and their ability to deliver results,” Cavitt said. “My goal is to ensure businesses are treated equally and that government contracts are always awarded based on performance and never politics.”

Bollin said the package reflects growing concern among Michigan families and businesses that ESG policies are creating barriers and politicizing key areas of government.

“Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the field, decisions should be guided by what benefits Michigan families and communities,” Bollin said. “This plan ensures fairness, protects free enterprise, and keeps public institutions focused on their true purpose, looking out for our pecuniary interests.”

House Bills 5237-5242 were referred to the House Economic Competitiveness Committee for consideration.

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