As we near the end of 2019, I want to share some highlights of my first year representing the western Upper Peninsula in the Michigan House. Serving our communities has truly been a rewarding experience. I have learned a lot just from listening to the thoughts and ideas of people I meet at local events…
State Rep. Ann Bollin praised the recommendations for improving voter engagement among young people and college students announced this week by the Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force. Bollin, who previously served 16 years as Brighton Township Clerk, said she has already introduced a plan to implement one of the recommendations: Establishing a permanent absent voter…
State Rep. Bronna Kahle of Adrian recently hosted students from Tecumseh Compass Learning Center for an up-close look at state government at the state Capitol. “I’m always excited when students visit the state Capitol to learn more about their state government,” Rep. Kahle said. “It was a pleasure to meet with them and I look…
State Rep. Rodney Wakeman, of Saginaw Township, today cosponsored a plan to restore funding for the Pure Michigan campaign, saying allowing the program to end would harm the entire state’s tourism industry. The plan would provide $37.5 million to fully restore funding that was vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as the new state budget year…
Whitmer vetoes baiting bill, despite unanimous support from U.P. legislators State Rep. Beau LaFave today condemned Gov. Whitmer’s decision to veto a plan that would have restored the practice of baiting and feeding deer in Michigan. LaFave, of Iron Mountain, co-sponsored House Bill 4687 to end the widely criticized ban, which was issued by the…
By state Rep. Jack O’Malley of Lake Ann An orange construction pillar wrapped lovingly in a string of Christmas lights sits near the entryway of my office in Lansing. A goofy prop, for sure. But it serves as a tribute to the holiday season, as well as the past 12 months I’ve spent trying to…
Rep. Jack O’Malley today introduced a plan to restore funding for the Pure Michigan advertising campaign, saying allowing the program to end would harm the entire state. O’Malley’s legislation would provide $37.5 million to fully restore funding vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as the new state budget year began Oct. 1. “From tourism to business…
State Rep. Andrea Schroeder invites residents to her in-district office hours on Monday, January 13 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Independence Township Hall, 6483 Waldon Center Dr. in Independence Township. “I received truly helpful feedback throughout 2019 that helped me better serve our communities in Lansing,” Rep. Schroeder said. “I look forward to another…
Bill would have allowed road commission to replace outdated facility State Reps. Greg Markkanen and Beau LaFave today criticized another attempt by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to shortchange rural areas with her veto of a proposal – which she originally supported – creating flexibility for critical building updates. Legislation from Markkanen and co-sponsored by LaFave, House…
Last November, the people of Clinton and Gratiot counties put their trust in me to represent their interests at the Capitol as their new state representative. I respect that, and I entered my first year in office with the goal of getting stuff done without the bickering and arguing we see come out of Washington,…
Gov. Whitmer kills legislation, despite bipartisan support State Rep. Michele Hoitenga today condemned Gov. Whitmer’s decision to veto a plan that would have restored the practice of baiting and feeding deer in Michigan. Hoitenga, of Manton, proposed House Bill 4687 to end the widely criticized ban, which was issued by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission…
State Rep. Bradley Slagh, of Zeeland, will meet with Ottawa County residents during scheduled office hours for the month of January. “I want to begin the new year by continuing to hear directly from residents,” Rep. Slagh said. “I look forward to meeting with constituents and discussing ideas the legislature can work on in 2020.”…
State Rep. Graham Filler of DeWitt was recently selected “Freshman Legislator of the Year” by the Michigan Information & Research Service (MIRS). According to MIRS, Filler “was recognized for chairing a panel that moved out 35 pieces of legislation that are already public acts, a little less than a quarter of every Public Act in…
State Rep. Mary Whiteford will meet with Allegan County residents during scheduled office hours next month. “The start of a new year is a great opportunity to refocus on tackling important topics,” Rep. Whiteford said. “I hope you will join me next month to share topics and issues that are important to you.” Rep. Whiteford…
A memorable Detroit Lions game this year was the team’s one-point loss to the Green Bay Packers. Detroit seemed to be playing against additional and powerful opponents – the referees. The Lions were crushed by some unbelievable penalty calls while players and spectators stood by and watched helplessly. That game describes much of today’s governmental…
