By state Rep. Mike Mueller

Before I became your representative in the Michigan House, I served as a sheriff’s deputy. Those 19 years on patrol gave me a valuable perspective as I work on behalf of the Genesee-Oakland region at the state Capitol.

Top priorities for this 2019-20 legislative session include reducing the cost of car insurance, improving mental health and drug abuse prevention services, and supporting our veterans and law enforcement personnel.

Michigan drivers should not be burdened with the highest car insurance premiums in the nation – yet they are, and it’s causing financial problems for many families. I saw this firsthand as road patrol deputy, crossing paths with many residents who drove without state-mandated insurance because they couldn’t afford it.

One of my first actions in the Michigan House was to join my colleagues in a quest to lower car insurance rates. We’re in this together – and I want you to participate. A special website has been created – www.reducemiratesnow.com – so you can provide insight and offer suggestions, while staying up-to-date on committee proceedings.

My experience in law enforcement also hammered home the magnitude of Michigan’s opioid abuse crisis. The misuse of these drugs leads to addiction and mental health challenges that are tearing apart families and hurting communities.

I am committed to helping Michigan fight this epidemic so people can live happier and healthier lives.  I voted in favor of a plan that will help prevent overdose deaths by allowing public library employees to assist overdose victims and administer life-saving opioid antagonists

I also will fight for the people who protect us and defend our way of life – law enforcement personnel and military veterans. They put their lives on the line for us every day, and they deserve our respect, admiration and support.

Veterans returning from military service must be supported as they transition back to civilian life. I will work to ensure they receive proper care and assistance while improving access to the benefits they have earned and deserve.

Our men and women in uniform on Michigan streets also deserve our support. I recently introduced legislation that would increase the penalty for criminals who disarm or attempt to disarm a police officer.

I also introduced a resolution – approved by the House to commemorate March 19 as Law Enforcement Mental Health Awareness Day in Michigan. Our law enforcement personnel witness many crimes and traumatic experiences that may result in higher risk of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This resolution emphasizes the importance of remembering that police officers are human too, and they face mental health challenges just like anybody else.

These are just a few of the issues I will be tackling over the next two years as your state representative, working to make southeast Michigan an even better place to raise a family.

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