Rep. Crawford plan to support vulnerable children approved by House
A bill introduced by state Rep. Kathy Crawford, of Novi, to better protect children by instituting sweeping changes within Michigan’s Child Protective Services was approved Thursday with overwhelming, bipartisan support by the Michigan House of Representatives. Crawford’s plan is part of a bipartisan package of bills in response to the Auditor General’s CPS performance audit…
Raising awareness for human trafficking, keeping families in Midland and Bay counties safe
By State Rep Annette Glenn Human trafficking, one of the worst types of exploitation, is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world – second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of crime, according to the U.S. Department of State. Earlier this month, I voted to declare January Human Trafficking Awareness Month…
Rep. Griffin supports plan increasing opportunities for rural broadband expansion
State Rep. Beth Griffin, of Mattawan, this week voted to advance a plan that would expand effective broadband services to more residents in rural Michigan. House Bill 4266 codifies legal protections for Michigan electric cooperatives to build and expand broadband networks on existing infrastructure and within existing easements. This would make it easier for co-ops…
Rep. Wentworth: Michigan House receives bipartisan criminal justice reform report
State Rep. Jason Wentworth said Michigan took a key step toward becoming a national leader in criminal justice reform this week as the Legislature received a report from the bipartisan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration. House Speaker Pro Tem Wentworth, Speaker Lee Chatfield and other state and county leaders announced the creation…
Rep. Glenn testifies on plan to better protect children in Michigan
Measure will update definition of ‘neglect’ Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, this week testified before the House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee in support of her legislation to ensure children who are victims of neglect receive the protection they deserve. Glenn said adding the phrase “threatened harm” to the definition of “neglect” in the Child Abuse…
Exploring solutions for Michigan farmers ahead of 2020 harvesting season
By state Rep. Rodney Wakeman of Saginaw Township Michigan’s 2019 harvesting season was one farmers are looking to forget as they move into preparation stages for the new growing year. With record rainfall this past spring, the wet weather conditions hampered planting production – resulting in 17.3% of Michigan farmland not being farmed, according to…
House panel advances Rep. Lightner’s plan holding state government accountable
Lawmaker: More transparency needed in state’s procurement process The House Oversight Committee this week unanimously approved state Rep. Sarah Lightner’s plan holding state government accountable by providing more transparency and oversight to the procurement process. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) is responsible for contracts and purchasing decisions for all of the…
Rep. Berman helps deliver increased mental health services to Michigan residents
State Rep. Ryan Berman, of Commerce Township, this week voted to establish a statewide mental health hotline to connect people in need with important support services. The plan – House Bill 4051 – was given final legislative approval with the House’s overwhelming bipartisan vote and now heads to the governor for consideration. “We’re in need…
Rep. Berman plan increasing government transparency clears House committee
A proposal from Rep. Ryan Berman striving to make state government more accountable to taxpayers who fund it was advanced unanimously today by the House Oversight Committee. House Bill 5015 will require each executive branch department and divisions at the state level to publicly post salary and benefit information for the positions they employ. “The…
Statement from Rep. Brandt Iden on regional event center legislation
Rep. Brandt Iden today issued the following statement after the Michigan House approved his legislation (House Bill 4816) related to regional event centers: “This is an important measure to help Kalamazoo County – and other locations in Michigan – continue to build on the state’s economic momentum. Conventions, concerts, and other special events are a…
Rep. Vaupel testifies on plan to benefit, promote Michigan equine industry
State Rep. Hank Vaupel this week testified before the House Agriculture Committee in support of his plan to create the Michigan Equine Commission and improve the education, research and promotion of the equine industry. He said the goal of the commission would be to increase the visibility of the equine industry in our state which…
House approves Rep. Schroeder’s plan to better protect Michigan’s children
The Michigan House today approved Rep. Andrea Schroeder’s plan to help keep children safe from abuse and neglect. Schroeder’s proposal is part of a broad package addressing problems uncovered in an Office of the Auditor General report which raised alarming concerns about a system that exists to ensure the safety and well-being of Michigan children….