(NEW) Summer Student “Rep for a Day” Reading Contest

Starting THIS WEEK, students who participate in and complete their local library’s summer reading program will be entered into a contest to become a “Rep for a Day” with me. This is a cool opportunity for students to experience a day in the life of a state legislator and learn how Michigan’s government works.

Visit your local library for contest details.

Encourage your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to read this summer! Go to the library with them and check out some books!

As always, reach out to my office if you have any questions.

(NEW) Committee Action: Reviewing MDOS Administrative Rule Submissions

I’m currently reviewing whether the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) followed the correct legal steps when submitting new administrative rules.

I’m examining whether those rules were properly sent to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR)—the legislative body responsible for reviewing agency rulemaking—and whether MDOS followed all required procedures under the Administrative Procedures Act. This includes verifying public notice, hearings, and other required steps were completed before finalizing the rules.

It’s critical that state departments follow the law and respect legislative oversight. I’ll share further updates as my review continues.

(NEW) Co-Sponsorship of HB 4707 – Prohibit Ranked Choice Voting

I recently co-sponsored House Bill 4707, a bill that my office helped author, to prohibit the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) in Michigan elections. Ranked choice voting undermines the foundational principle of our Constitutional Republic—“one candidate, one vote.” Instead of casting a single vote for a preferred candidate, voters rank multiple candidates. This can result in multiple rounds of ballot counting and diminish the clarity and fairness of the electoral process.

RCV has been rejected at the ballot box in five states—Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon. Additionally, 17 other states have banned RCV statewide. Combined, this means nearly half the country has chosen to reject this system, citing concerns about voter confusion, administrative complexity, and delayed election results.

New York City currently uses RCV, and its implementation has revealed many of the issues other states are now trying to avoid. In the 2021 mayoral primary, it took two weeks to determine the final results—highlighting how complex tabulations and multi-round eliminations can delay outcomes and erode public trust. That experience shows why ranked choice voting is a very flawed system.

HB 4707 is a proactive step to keep Michigan’s elections clear, efficient, and easy to understand—the way voters expect them to be.

(NEW) Vote Record/Reasons Update

Only 7% of State Representatives in Michigan report every single vote they make with a reason provided for each one (8 out of 110 Reps). As promised, for the sake of transparency and accountability, I’ve done this as a service to you ever since you elected me. Below you will find my most recent votes with my reasoning for each one.

HB 4390–4391 – Oral Fluid Testing for Drug-Impaired Driving

I supported House Bills 4390 and 4391, which authorize the use of oral fluid (saliva) testing to help law enforcement detect drug-impaired drivers during traffic stops. Both bills were approved by the House with a vote of 61–44.

This provides officers with another tool they can use to help detect who is putting the safety of other drivers at risk. In response to privacy concerns, my office—and many others—requested key protections that were successfully included in the final legislation. One provision requires that oral fluid samples be destroyed as soon as possible after testing. Another explicitly prohibits DNA information from being stored in government databases.

These safeguards ensure that while law enforcement gains useful tools, the privacy and civil liberties of Michigan residents remain protected.

House Bill 4369 – Prohibiting Certain Ingredients in School Foods

I supported House Bill 4369, which passed the House by a vote of 58–47. The bill would prohibit public and nonpublic schools in Michigan from providing or selling foods containing certain chemical additives beginning July 1, 2028.

The ingredients banned under this bill include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and artificial dyes such as Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Yellow 6. These additives have been the subject of growing health concerns, particularly regarding their effects on children.

This legislation aligns with emerging federal guidance, including the FDA’s decision to revoke approval for brominated vegetable oil and ongoing efforts to phase out petroleum-based dyes. HB 4369 is an important step to promote healthier food options for students in Michigan schools.

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