(This column originally appeared in the Adrian Daily Telegram, available here.)

By state Rep. Bronna Kahle

Looking back on 2019, it’s been another successful year of bringing Lenawee County values to Lansing as your representative in the Michigan House.

Our most vulnerable residents will have access to the essential services they rely on after restoration of the governor’s budget cuts, and record funding for schools and roads remain in place. Driving will be more affordable because of reforms to car insurance and successfully fighting off attempts to raise Michigan’s gas tax. Also, four measures I authored were signed into state law, making life better for our families, friends and neighbors in several ways.

Here is a quick year in review:

A budget reflecting Michigan values

Our budget process was a difficult one this year. It got off on the wrong foot with the governor seeking a 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase Michigan can’t afford and doesn’t need. She tried to force legislators into accepting her tax increase by vetoing funding for public safety, seniors with Alzheimer’s, children with autism, and people fighting opioid addiction. But her tactics didn’t work, and I am glad to say the governor eventually worked with us – recently signing supplemental budget measures restoring funding for essential programs. I am hopeful this is the start of an improved relationship between the governor and Legislature, putting people ahead of politics.

Lowering the cost of car insurance

The high cost of car insurance has been a top concern of Michigan families for years, but relief is on the way thanks to reforms approved by the Legislature during 2019. The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association already has announced it will charge a $100 per vehicle assessment for the year-long period beginning in July 2020. That is down from the current $220 per vehicle – a 55 percent savings and a direct result of the Legislature’s reforms. More savings will be arriving as the law continues to phase in, offering choice on personal injury protection coverage limits, fighting fraud, and reining in price gouging for medical services.

Providing a second chance

The safety and prosperity of our Lenawee community is paramount and, as a person of faith, I believe most everyone is capable of redemption. That is why I support key criminal justice reforms currently making their way through the Michigan Legislature. The plan would expand Michigan’s expungement law to give thousands of residents with old, low-level criminal convictions the chance to start fresh. It would shorten the timeframe people must wait before their records can be set aside and establish automatic expungement for certain offenses. This reform – which already has been approved by the House – is simply the right thing to do. It will strengthen our economy by allowing more people the opportunity to seek employment opportunities and provide a ready, willing, and able workforce to our local businesses. Opening the door for people with past mistakes to move on and gain meaningful employment makes our communities safer and our families stronger.

Leading the way on tax reform and health care

Four of the proposals I authored in 2019 have already been signed into state law:

–Michigan families and businesses choosing to install solar energy systems will be protected from higher property tax assessments through Public Act 117, signed in November. The legislation will providing clarity, consistency and predictability as Michiganders choose to help the environment, conserve energy and lower their utility bills.

–Hospice care services are able to promptly care for patients with dignity at the end of their lives through Public Act 43, signed in July. The law helps hospice patients receive the pain management medication they need in a timely fashion.

–People seeking safe alternatives to opioids will have more pain management options through a measure licensing acupuncturists, signed into law in December. This change – Public Act 140 — will help military veterans and others get the care they need.

–Teens will be protected against abusing an ingredient found in over-the-counter cough medicines through Public Act 123, signed in November. Michigan joins nearly 20 other states in approving age restriction laws to help keep these chemicals – which are dangerous if over-used and abused – out of the hands of children.

Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving our communities – and for helping provide the perspective and input needed to effectively represent you in the Michigan House. I look forward to working with you and for in 2020.

As always, you may contact my office at any time by calling (517) 373-1706 or emailing [email protected].

(Rep. Bronna Kahle represents the 57^th District in the Michigan House.)