Legislator reiterates top priorities following Tuesday’s State of the State

State Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, underscored issues she continues to fight for in the Michigan Legislature after attending Tuesday night’s State of the State address.

Michigan’s controversial no-fault system forces more than seven million drivers throughout the state to pay the highest car insurance rates in the country. A special committee has been formed by Republican leadership in the Michigan House to pursue a solution.

“I am pleased my colleagues in the Legislature have put such emphasis on this issue – in the form of a committee whose sole focus is bringing relief to Michigan drivers,” Hoitenga said. “The decisions that this broken policy forces northern Michigan families to make are dire. Many are confronted with a choice between paying outrageous insurance rates and financial stability. Families should not be forced to choose between the two. We need to fix this clearly flawed system for Michigan residents.”

Hoitenga is also continuing her work to increase broadband capability for more areas of Michigan through her chair position on the House Communications and Technology Committee.

During the 2017-18 legislative term, Hoitenga co-sponsored legislation capping certain permitting costs for county rights-of-way work. House Bill 5097, which eventually became Public Act 97 of 2018, streamlines future broadband expansion projects while eliminating unnecessary government red tape.

Hoitenga and members of the committee also discussed a proposal establishing a concrete broadband investment plan. This included a development fund within the state treasury, a team tasked with identifying areas in Michigan that are unserved or underserved and policies to award grants.

“Better broadband access, including high-speed internet, is a big driver in keeping Michigan competitive and attractive to prospective job providers,” Hoitenga said. “This essential service should be readily available in more than just the state’s larger metro areas. Making more communities attractive to job providers means more business and jobs for residents, and that will be a big boost to Michigan’s economy.”

Hoitenga is in her second term in the Michigan House representing citizens in Wexford, Mecosta and Osceola counties.