Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Williams Twp.; audio on committee passage of utility rate legislation
House Energy Committee Chair Gary Glenn talks about Committee passage this week of his HB 5902, authorizing the Michigan Public Service Commission to establish a long-term industrial load rate, which will apply to Hemlock Semiconductor in his district and also benefit local ratepayers.
Rep. Laura Cox, R-Livonia; audio on final state revenue estimates for 2019 Fiscal Year
House Appropriations Committee Chair Laura Cox talks about the state Revenue Estimating Conference held at the Capitol on Wednesday that suggests state revenues for 2018-2019 will come in about $315 million more than originally forecast. Rep. Cox says extra dollars could be spent on priorities, like road repair.
Rep. Hank Vaupel, D.V.M.; R-Fowlerville; audio on committee passage of pet store standard legislation
Rep. Vaupel, a long-time veterinarian, talks about passage by the House Agriculture Committee Wednesday of his HBs 5916-5917, which prevent Michigan pet stores from acquiring dogs from unregulated breeders while setting new, higher standards for pet stores. Rep. Vaupel thinks the plan will make significant strides toward improving animal welfare.
Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain; audio on protecting funding to UP communities
Rep. LaFave talks about his no vote on HB 5908, which re-calibrates some of the state’s reimbursement of lost Personal Property Tax revenue to local communities. Rep. LaFave says he is concerned the measure could harm funding to some areas in his district and adds he will continue to work for more equity as the…
Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte; audio on House passage of courtroom support dog legislation
Rep. Barrett talks about House passage Tuesday of his HB 4645, which establishes regulations that allow support dogs to be present in court without jeopardizing the rights of the accused. The legislation allows support dogs for witnesses under the age of 16, individuals with developmental disabilities and vulnerable adults.
Rep. Dr. Ned Canfield, D.O.; audio on rural area health care legislation
Rep. Canfield talks about Tuesday’s House passage of his HB 5934, designed to provide better access to rural health care across Michigan. Rep. Canfield says the legislation will provide at least $26 million for rural hospitals to help care for Medicaid patients, noting there are some rural facilities who will be able to continue operations…
Rep. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Twp.; audio on motorist safety
With road construction season moving into full swing, Rep. LaSata reminds motorists that penalties, both fines and points, exist for speeding in highway work zones, and adds the caution also needs to be exercised around vehicles used by farmers and the Amish community.
Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt; audio on future of recreational marijuana proposal
Speaker Leonard tells reporters on the House floor at the Capitol on Thursday that he still does not see a path for the recreational marijuana proposal approved earlier this spring by the State Board of Canvassers to come up for a vote in the state House, meaning voters will have the final say on the…
Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Montague; audio on Senate passage of victim statement legislation
Rep. Hughes talks about Senate passage Thursday of her HB 5407, which requires convicted criminals to hear impact statements from victims or their families during a sentencing hearing. The plan was submitted in response to a recent Muskegon County case where the convicted murderer of Rebekah Bletsch requested to leave the court before the victim statements. …
Rep. David Maturen, R-Brady Twp.; audio on legislation protecting bees
Rep. Maturen discusses his bipartisan plan to help protect bees and other pollinators vital to Michigan’s agricultural industry by creating a Pollinator Health Advisory Council that would advise the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on improving pollinator health.
Rep. Peter Lucido, R-Shelby Twp; audio on House passage of civil asset forfeiture reform legislation
Rep. Lucido talks about House passage of his legislation requiring a criminal conviction before law enforcement agencies can take ownership of personal property using the civil asset forfeiture process.
Rep. Brandt Iden, R-Oshtemo Twp.; audio on House passage of OK2Say legislation
Rep. Iden talks about House passage this week of his HB 5850, which continues the state’s OK2Say program past its original expiration date of 2021, a move the Representative says will keep schools and Michigan’s young people safer.
Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain; audio on House passage of school safety legislation
Rep. LaFave talks about House passage Tuesday of his HB 5851, which requires schools to submit incident reports to a proposed statewide school safety commission. Representative LaFave says that by sharing information about situations at the local level, schools across Michigan can become safer for students and teachers.
Rep. Tim Kelly, R-Saginaw Twp.; audio on passing of Supt. Brian Whiston
House Education Committee Chair Tim Kelly talks about the passing Monday of state Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Whiston.
Rep. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington; audio on Resoltuion opposing “kayak tax”
Rep. VanderWall talks about House passage Tuesday of his HR 307, which put the House on record as opposing the Michigan State Waterways Commission recommendation that legislation be introduced to require the registration, with a fee, of all rigid-hulled kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards eight feet or longer.
Rep. Klint Kesto, R-Commerce Twp.; audio on Committee meeting with Nassar survivors
House Law and Justice Committee Chair Klint Kesto talks about Tuesday’s Committee hearing with three survivors of Larry Nassar as lawmakers continue to craft new legislation to better protect Michigan students and patients.