By state Rep. Doug Wozniak

Now that summer has finally arrived and Macomb County families are soaking up the sun, I have reflected on some of the achievements I am most proud of from my first six months in the state Legislature and wanted to share them with you.

Since January, I have worked with people from all walks of life to find solutions to problems and lead the way to a better Michigan for every resident across the state.

There’s no question the job has been enlightening.  As a freshman legislator, I had a lot to learn. But significant progress has been made for Macomb County communities, as well as families, seniors, children and workers across Michigan. Here’s just some of the highlights from the first six months:

No-Fault Car Insurance Reforms

When I was elected to represent you and your families, I made a promise to listen to and deliver on your priorities – including tackling landmark car insurance reforms while preserving important life-saving benefits that are the best in the nation. I kept the stories I heard from people in our communities regarding the state’s broken no-fault system in mind when I supported a historic, bipartisan fix to deliver real, guaranteed savings to every Michigan driver.

With our no-fault overhaul now law, drivers will have the freedom to choose an amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage plan that best meets their financial needs beginning July 1, 2020. The new law also puts an end to price gouging by medical providers for car accident victims and combats fraud and abuse – further lowering costs for everyone.

As I have expressed frequently, I am committed to leaving no stone unturned when it comes to no-fault car insurance reforms. In addition to the new law, I have authored legislation that would make the unlimited PIP coverage option more affordable and attractive to Michigan drivers through high deductible and reduced premiums. It couldn’t be more important families across Michigan have access to live-saving benefits and are adequately covered in the event of a tragic accident.

Road Funding

The governor’s proposed 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase – which would give Michigan the highest fuel tax in the nation – is simply too expensive and asking too much from hard-working Michigan taxpayers. I supported a House-approved plan that will fix our roads while respecting Michiganders’ budgets.

The plan ensures every single penny spent on taxes at the gas pump goes to improving our roads – including the 6 percent sales tax motorists already pay. This change could add more than $800 million more per year to road repairs – without raising taxes – once fully implemented.

Ending Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a serious crime that is becoming more prevalent. That’s why I am spearheading a bipartisan effort focused on combating this issue and increasing protections for Michigan’s senior population. House Bills 4254-4260 and 4265 will protect Michigan seniors from physical and financial abuse while increasing the penalties for individuals who abuse them. The legislation is under consideration by the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee.

Ensuring Clean Drinking Water

PFAS contamination has been identified in communities across Michigan and our state’s action response team continues to investigate possible contamination sites and sources. I am committed to assuring the water coming to every Michigan household is clean and safe. I have joined my colleagues in the Legislature taking important steps to identify PFAS contamination and protect Michigan families.

Over $120 million has been secured to help families affected by PFAS contamination and improve response programs statewide. An additional $73.5 million has been set aside annually to bolster environmental cleanup efforts which include PFAS-contaminated areas. I also backed a House-approved resolution to ensure the state is relying on experts in the field to make science-based recommendations that prioritize the health, safety and welfare of all Michigan families.

I want to thank the many people who have contacted me with words of encouragement during the first six months of my term. I am very committed to making sure the voice of our communities is heard in the Michigan Legislature. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at 517-373-0843 or email [email protected].