The following column was published by the Lapeer County Press on Saturday, January 11

Last week, the 103rd Legislature began.

I am honored to again be serving as a voice for people across the 67th House District, which covers portions of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties. Representatives were officially sworn in this week, a new Speaker of the House was elected, and some of the first bills for the term were introduced.

Majority in the Michigan House has changed from the previous legislative term to the current one with Republicans now assuming control. What we saw in December and in the months leading up to that “lame duck” legislative period was a lot of confusion, indifference and inaction. Several bills that were prioritized and rammed through didn’t do enough to put the needs of people in our state first.

Notably, no action was taken to help thousands of service industry workers and small businesses. They are facing the likelihood of layoffs and closures starting next month after a Supreme Court decision from last summer set unrealistic mandates on local job providers and phased out the tip credit, which provides a key source of income for workers throughout our communities.

It was tone-deaf governing. We’re getting to work right away this term by putting together a legislative committee that will look at this issue, receive vital input from small business owners and their workers, and deliver proposals that will strike a careful and needed balance by fostering economic growth while protecting livelihoods.

I have also heard from many people over the past two years who want to be assured that state government is working effectively, efficiently and responsibly for the people it represents. We have seen vague corporate welfare deals, severance payment agreements to former government employees in exchange for their silence, and more – funded with taxpayer dollars. We have also seen many instances of government overreach with Second Amendment rights, local control, and other issues. Such situations can diminish the people’s trust in their government as a whole.

There are critical components of state government that promote greater transparency and accountability. The state’s Auditor General, for example, is a non-partisan office that identifies mismanagement and inefficiencies in reviews of state agencies and programs. Reports from the Auditor General’s office allow lawmakers to see where problems exist and where new laws can improve government and its services for the people. Oversight committees in the Legislature also play a key part in holding state government accountable. The House is greatly expanding its oversight work this term with six new Oversight subcommittees that will look at issues regarding the weaponization of state government, child welfare, corporate subsidies and state investments, public health, foreign influence, and more.

This level of oversight — multiple panels that will have both Republican and Democrat representation — is unprecedented and will ensure taxpayers know the type of return they are getting on their taxes and that public money is being used for the public’s benefit.

With Democrats losing their trifecta in Lansing, working together for the people of Michigan will be critical. Every legislator represents an overwhelming number of people who expect their elected leaders to protect Michigan jobs, keep their families and neighborhoods safe, and provide the areas they live with resources for good local roads and schools. That’s the common ground we should be working from as we look at legislation and the role of state government.

As the term moves forward, I will continue providing updates in these columns every other week. It is critical to keep people I represent informed about the latest both locally and in Lansing. My office also remains available to anyone who has a question, wants to talk about a legislative issue, or needs assistance in navigating state government and its departments. I wish you and your families all the best in 2025.