State Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno, R-Rollin Township, testified today in the House Government Operations Committee in support of a proposed plan aimed at protecting Michigan’s residents, security, and economy from the threats posed by foreign entities of concern.

“I was honored to be able to speak on my bill before the committee to keep our education system safe against foreign entities that could be harmful,” said Jenkins-Arno. “We can’t afford to wait until it is too late, and let our kids suffer the consequences.”

The proposed plan is a response to concerns regarding the ties between Michigan to China, including Chinese battery plants in Marshall and Big Rapids, and the location between the plants and National Guard bases. The bills would protect against multiple foreign groups that are included on the federal watch list.

House Bill 4238, sponsored by Rep. Jenkins-Arno, would ensure that public schools, colleges, and universities do not accept grants or enter into agreements conditioned upon an anti-American agenda from foreign countries of concern.

“We must take every necessary step to protect our schools,” said Jenkins-Arno. “Our education system shapes the future of our country, and we cannot allow foreign nations, that pose a threat, have any influence over it. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation, and I am committed to creating policies that keep our schools and our state safe.”