What you might have missed this week

With a busy week of session wrapping up around 10 p.m. Thursday, a few pieces of House legislation appear to have flown under the radar. However, these bills are sound public policy and deserve their turn in the spotlight. So, here’s a brief look back at three lesser-known items approved by the House this week. Updating printing requirements for…

Keeping Michigan motorists safe

Drunk, drugged and distracted driving are very serious and dangerous offenses. December is dedicated as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month to raise awareness about the dangers of all forms of impaired driving. Drunk, drugged and distracted driving are equally dangerous to all Michiganders. Great strides have been made over the years to reduce impaired driving,…

More jobs creating more opportunities for Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit is roaring back, and the proof is in the number of jobs in the region   According to a report from the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) released in November, Metro Detroit  has returned to pre-recession level employment! Since Republican leadership took over in 2011, Michigan has been on a steady economic resurgence since hitting a…

Representatives’ hearts always close to home

Working day in and out to improve and protect the well-being of Michigan’s communities means leading by example. Just last week, Rep. Al Pscholka visited two young constituents who both proudly participated in the “Turning Pages with Pscholka” summer reading contest. Damarien Bell and Reunica Mays each won the reading contest in their age groups, which challenged…

Michigan rakes in an exceptional list of awards

2014 was a big year for Michigan and several of our great cities have been recognized nationally. On lists ranging from most beautiful small towns to best airport for a layover, Michigan certainly has its share of “best places.” Grand Rapids was a powerhouse this year, sweeping a handful of awards. Lonely Planet named the western Michigan community the No….

Optimistic Michigan: Unemployment rate, economic outlook improving

Our state’s unemployment rate is finally back to pre-recessionary levels and Michigan’s positive economic outlook is higher than it’s been in years. Michigan’s unemployment rate has decreased for third consecutive month. The October 2014 statewide unemployment rate dropped one-tenth of a percent down to 7.1 percent, putting Michigan’s unemployment rate at pre-recessionary levels. In fact, our unemployment rate is…

Snyder’s governing receives national recognition

Even if you haven’t been following Gov. Rick Snyder, Governing magazine has. Take a look at what they have to say about him. Prior to Governor Snyder’s first term in office, Michigan’s population was declining and jobs were disappearing. For those who stuck around, there was little hope that Michigan would rebound for the better. The…