Audio Clips from members of the Senate Republican Caucus
November 18, 2020
:58
State Sen. Aric Nesbitt Dr. Matthew Dommer are encouraging families to
take the necessary precautions this holiday season as we fight back
against the coronavirus.
August 24, 2020
53:38
Senator Kim LaSata's Tele-town Hall Meeting, held on August 24, 2020. Some of the topics discussed included accessing healthy food options, opportunities to socialize while distancing outside, and resources for seniors’ mental and physical health, among others.
May 6, 2020
4:53
State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, spoke Wednesday on the need to reopen Michigan geographically,instead of the one-size-fits-all approach being taken by the governor.
April 24, 2020
3:39
Protecting the health and wellbeing of Upper Peninsula residents is my top priority, especially in times of crisis," said McBroom, R-Vulcan. "The state's response to the COVID-19 outbreak revealed how little prepared it was to not only ensure people's safety but also determine what could be done safely. It has also been eye opening to see just how much power lies in the hands of the executive and how little input or influence the people have in what is done in times of a declared emergency. The actions we've taken today will help correct those wrongs
April 23, 2020
58:48
Audio from my tele-town hall meeting with Dr. Christine Nefcy, Chief Medical Officer for Munson Healthcare, Ms. Wendy Hirschenberger, Grand Traverse County Health Officer, and Rep. Triston Cole.
April 15, 2020
59:59
Audio from my tele-town hall meeting regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 1, 2020
1:02:53
Senator Runestad’s Teletown Hall Meeting, held on April 1st, 2020, with special guest Dr. Russell Faust, Medical Director for Oakland County Health
March 24, 2020
:37
MacDonald helped deliver the food Monday morning prior to Gov. Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-21, which directs workers to stay home unless they are essential to sustaining or protecting life or to conducting minimum basic operations. Food delivery is still allowed under the order, but visiting hospitals is limited to certain circumstances.
March 12, 2020
2:27
LANSING - Sens. Johnson and Moss introduced legislation today to ensure Michigan
residents are protected from price gouging during a health emergency as the first
presumptive-positive cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Michigan.
March 3, 2020
:52
LANSING, Mich. - Infants who survive an abortion would be given the same
standard of health care, professional skill and diligence to preserve life as other
infants who are born alive in Michigan under legislation introduced on Tuesday by
Sen. Lana Theis.
"Life is a precious gift and it is worth protecting," said Theis, R-Brighton. "We have
an obligation to ensure the health and well-being of every child, regardless of how
they enter this world."
March 3, 2020
:33
March is Reading and Senator Kim LaSata is encouraging students to participate in
March is Reading Month activities.
March 3, 2020
:33
As before, the 31 area high schools in the tournament will be divided into four
brackets, like in the NCAA basketball tournament. The schools will compete in a
single-elimination bracket contest with those earning the most points advancing to
the next round each week.
Voting will take place at Facebook.com/SenKimLaSata,
www.StateSenatorKimLaSata.com, or both.
On Facebook, each matchup in each round will feature a graphic of the competing
schools' mascots. To vote, participants will "react" to the original posted graphic
with a "Haha" to vote for one school or a "Wow" to vote for the other. Each graphic
will indicate which reaction method to use for each school.
February 24, 2020
1:07
The Senate Finance Committee heard expert testimony from local assessors, appraisers, members of the Michigan Assessors Association and others during a meeting on Monday in Novi.
Chairman Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, conducted a special informational hearing of the committee on property tax issues at the Novi Civic Center.
The panel and those in attendance heard expert testimony on property taxes, the tax assessment process and how to effectively appeal your assessments when errors have occurred.
For more information, please contact Runestad's office toll-free at 1-855-347-8015 or by email at [email protected]
February 18, 2020
:42
"This is an exciting next step in the process of developing Michigan's ecosystem of
space technology," said Gavin Brown, executive director of MAMA. "While much work
lies ahead, we are pleased to share these initial results from our due diligence. Such a
facility would solidify Michigan's leadership role in the aerospace and defense industry
while becoming an important economic catalyst."
February 6, 2020
2:10
The Senate Committee on Local Government Thursday afternoon took testimony on
legislation introduced by Sen. Jon Bumstead that would aid local governments with
administrative duties. Under the legislation, villages would have the general power to
compel absent members to attend. The legislation would also provide direction for
villages unable to achieve a quorum and give them tools to ensure elected officials are
held to their duties.
January 30, 2020
:55
Lansing: Senator Ken Horn shares his thoughts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered
her second State of the State address as Michigan's governor.
January 30, 2020
1:01
Lansing: Sen VanderWall, shares his thoughts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered
her second State of the State address as Michigan's governor.
January 30, 2020
:49
Lansing: State Sen. Lauwers, shares his thoughts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
delivered her second State of the State address as Michigan's governor.
January 30, 2020
1:58
Lansing: State Sen. Runestad, shares his thoughts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
delivered her second State of the State address as Michigan's governor.
January 23, 2020
1:56
The two testified before the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee
on Runestad's bill that would help bring an end to elder abuse in nursing homes.
Senate Bill 77 would give the resident of a nursing home facility, or their
representative, the right to monitor their own private room using an electronic
monitoring device under certain conditions. This would give peace of mind to family
members who would be able to monitor remotely the care of their loved ones in
nursing homes.
The Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee is expected to vote on
the bill after hearing further testimony in the coming weeks.
January 22, 2020
:54
Sen. Ed McBroom and Rep. Greg Markkanen introduced identical supplemental
bills in the Senate and House.
"Local officials have been working for years to call attention to this pension issue,
and it is time that the state stepped up to fulfil its obligation to them," said
McBroom, R-Vulcan. "I appreciate that my colleagues recognized the need to
correct this problem previously through the budget process, and I hope to gain their
support of this funding once again with support from the governor this time
around."
January 15, 2020
2:00
Lansing, Mich.-"We find it rich that, in the latest round of delaying the tunnel, the
DNR Director sent a letter to Enbridge requesting a litany of information about Line
5 that the department and administration already have. This request is a clear
attempt to tie the company up in more bureaucratic minutia in order to further delay
the closing of the administration's investigation and getting to work on the tunnel as
quickly as possible.
"Simply put, the DNR's review and Governor Whitmer's challenge has gone on long
enough and we are calling on the DNR to retract the letter. We believe it is in the
best interest of the state that the original compromise to keep Line 5 open and
operational be honored until the replacement is opened.
January 14, 2020
:39
Senate Bill 716 would require the State Transportation Commission (STC) to notify
the Legislature 30 days prior to issuing any transportation bonds in excess of $100
million and would give the Legislature the authority to reject the issuance of those
bonds within 30 days.
"Currently, the STC has unilateral authority to issue bonds at any time, with no
legislative oversight," said Victory, R-Hudsonville. "Once the STC issues bonds, it is
the Legislature that is responsible for allocating those dollars and making the bond
payments in our budget - sometimes for years to come.
October 24, 2019
1:07
State Sen. Jon Bumstead on Thursday introduced legislation that would give more
flexibility to local school districts when choosing graduation requirements.
Senate Bills 600 and 601 would eliminate some specific merit curriculum course
credit requirements, which would allow more opportunities for students to enroll in
career and technical education or skilled trades training. Specifically, the bill would
eliminate the algebra II requirement, giving students the chance to take other
classes that might better prepare them for their future.
Bumstead said that ultimately the goal is to give school districts the ability to make
choices that are best for them, rather than mandating districts across the state
follow a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all policy.
Both bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Career
Readiness for further consideration.
October 10, 2019
1:02
State Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Twp., released audio remarks about Gov.
Gretchen Whitmer's game of devastating budget cuts, while reaffirming her
commitment to fighting for programs and services that Southwest Michiganders rely
on.
September 17, 2019
:51
"The Jacobetti home provides excellent medical, nursing and domiciliary care and
is more than capable of serving veterans who are eligible for Medicare and
Medicaid," said McBroom, R-Vulcan. "Unfortunately, bureaucratic rules are
standing in the way of some of the military veterans living at the home from
receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits simply because of the type of bathrooms
in the facility. I strongly urge CMS to approve the requested variance."
August 13, 2019
:37
This joint hearing developed out of concern for Michigan's farmers due to the wet
spring, a widespread inability to plant crops, and other factors making agricultural
operations difficult. Michigan's farmers faced a record rainfall this spring, which
dramatically hindering planting. Only 68% of the corn crop and 70% of the soybean
crop planned was planted.
The hearing gave lawmakers and key stakeholders a chance to discuss available
resources, along with potential short and long-term solutions to this season's
difficult conditions. In addition, the joint committee discussed global economic
pressures and financial stress facing the agriculture industry.
August 13, 2019
1:00
"I look forward to continued conversations with agricultural stakeholders and experts on how to address these challenges."
A bill signed into law in June appropriated $15 million into the Agricultural Disaster Loan Origination Program, which will help ensure Michigan farmers will have the opportunity to apply for loans to cover their expenses.
The program is a partnership between farmers and processors, private lenders, and the state that provides a 1% interest rate on loans to help support the agriculture industry through loss of crops due to weather-related disasters.
Lauwers said Michigan's farmers are coping with a difficult growing season with record rainfall hindering planting; only 68% of the corn crop and 70% of the soybean crop planned was planted.
In addition, the industry has faced global economic pressures and financial stress, the lawmaker said.
June 6, 2019
1:31
Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, 57 notes that "India has proved to be a
courageous nation with a growing democracy, seeking to establish its basic,
fundamental principles of freedom, opportunity, and justice" and "Michigan
residents who hail from India, or who have ancestral ties to India, continually
demonstrate the greatness of the culture, arts, traditions, and natural beauty of
their
homeland."
May 24, 2019
:44
"The number one concern I have heard from Southwest Michigan residents is their
ever-increasing auto insurance rates, and today I gladly cast my vote for a plan that
will guarantee those costs be lowered," said LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township. "This is
a good plan that will provide real, lasting savings for drivers."
May 24, 2019
3:38
"I am pleased that the governor has joined lawmakers in supporting long overdue
reforms to lower auto insurance costs for drivers throughout our state," said Theis,
R-Brighton, who chairs the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee. "This is a
plan that will provide savings as a result of giving drivers more choice in the
insurance they purchase, by starting to crack down on fraud, through the reigning
in out-of-control health care costs related to auto accidents, and ensuring a level
playing field for all drivers. This plan will help ensure that, not only will drivers be
better able to afford the auto insurance have, but uninsured drivers will actually be
able to afford to purchase auto insurance."
May 24, 2019
:33
"We've worked hard over the last few weeks coming to an agreement that will
benefit Michigan drivers," said Bumstead, R-Newaygo. "For the first time in nearly
50 years, drivers will have the option to choose which coverage best works for their
family's budget."
Under the current system, all drivers are required to carry unlimited, one-size-fits-all
PIP coverage. Senate Bill 1 would give policyholders the choice to select coverage
that best meets their needs and budget - providing savings based on the changes
they make.
May 7, 2019
4:33
LANSING, Mich. - A comprehensive plan to lower auto insurance rates in the state
was approved on Tuesday, said Sen. Ed McBroom, who voted in support of the
reforms.
Senate Bill 1 seeks to revise decades-old laws that have led to increasingly
skyrocketing auto insurance rates throughout the state - a recent University of
Michigan study indicates auto insurance is unaffordable in 97% of Michigan
communities. Under the Senate plan, depending on the choices drivers make, they
could save up to 90% on their premiums.
"Drivers in the Upper Peninsula and throughout Michigan are paying the most
expensive car insurance rates in the United States," said McBroom, R-Vulcan. "Our
state's car insurance system is broken, and whether folks live in the U.P., Detroit, or
anywhere in between, Michiganders are struggling to afford driving. I am glad that
we were able to come together to approve this much-needed legislation to help
making driving in our state more affordable."
May 7, 2019
4:33
LANSING, Mich. - A comprehensive plan to lower auto insurance rates in the state
was approved on Tuesday, said Sen. Ed McBroom, who voted in support of the
reforms.
Senate Bill 1 seeks to revise decades-old laws that have led to increasingly
skyrocketing auto insurance rates throughout the state - a recent University of
Michigan study indicates auto insurance is unaffordable in 97% of Michigan
communities. Under the Senate plan, depending on the choices drivers make, they
could save up to 90% on their premiums.
"Drivers in the Upper Peninsula and throughout Michigan are paying the most
expensive car insurance rates in the United States," said McBroom, R-Vulcan. "Our
state's car insurance system is broken, and whether folks live in the U.P., Detroit, or
anywhere in between, Michiganders are struggling to afford driving. I am glad that
we were able to come together to approve this much-needed legislation to help
making driving in our state more affordable."
May 7, 2019
4:21
LANSING, Mich. - State Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, offered his support for Senate
Bill 1, which would reform Michigan's auto no-fault system to help lower auto
insurance costs for motorists in the state.
April 29, 2019
:26
The lawmakers will host the annual Mattawan Senior and Veterans Expo to help
connect Southwest Michigan seniors and veterans with organizations and
businesses that can provide products and services important to them.
Monday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Antwerp Township Activity Center
24821 Front St.
Mattawan
April 10, 2019
3:31
Senate Resolution 31 condemns the arrest of dozens of Michigan Chaldean Iraqis
and their subsequent threat of deportation.
"Last year, a group of Iraqi nationals were rounded up for deportation to a country
where religious minorities are the targets of a terrible genocide committed by the
Islamic State," said Runestad, R-White Lake. "We must oppose the mass
deportation of Iraqi nationals, many of whom we call our neighbors and our friends,
to a land where they will meet torture and death."
In addition to the arrest of dozens of Michigan Chaldean Iraqis, approximately
1,400 Iraqi nationals have been targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement nationwide. An estimated 1,000 individuals are now at immediate risk
of deportation with many more at risk in future months.
March 21, 2019
:26
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ed McBroom to save the 95-A District Court
judgeship in Menominee County from elimination was signed into law on Thursday.
Senate Bill 87, now Public Act 1 of 2019, reverses a 2012 law that eliminated the
position, which was based on a State Court Administrator's Office (SCAO) Judicial
Resources Recommendation (JRR) calling for the removal based on data and
statistical analysis from 2008-2010. The position was to be eliminated on March 31.
"I appreciate the support of my colleagues from both sides of the political divide for
recognizing the importance of keeping the 95-A judge and for their quick action in
getting the bill approved, especially Representative Beau LaFave who sponsored an
identical bill in the House, and Representatives Greg Markkanen and Sara
Cambensy," said McBroom, R-Vulcan.
March 14, 2019
:18
"Since 1919, the American Legion has been a staunch advocate for veterans and
their families," said Bizon, R-Battle Creek. "The American Legion, Department of
Michigan has fulfilled the Legion's mission since its founding through programs
such as Boys State, Scouting, American Legion Hospital, American Legion
Children's Home, the American Legion Riders, Accredited Veteran Service Officers
and many others throughout the decades.
March 12, 2019
1:04
Sunshine Week, a national initiative to promote open government that occurs this year
from March 10-16, and of his work to make state government more transparent and
accountable.
March 5, 2019
:52
State Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township, comments on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's fiscal year 2020 budget proposal.
February 28, 2019
1:09
The Senate on Thursday unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Sen. Jim
Runestad that would crack down on the skyrocketing problem of mail theft in
Michigan.
Senate Bill 23 would create state penalties for mail theft that mirror federal
penalties to allow more options for state prosecution of these crimes.
"The crime of mail theft remains on the rise, and we won't get it under control until
we act," said Runestad, R-White Lake. "We have to stiffen the penalties to deter the
thieves who currently see an easy opportunity when a package arrives on a porch."
February 20, 2019
:46
Senate approved his bill that would save the 95-A District Court Judgeship in
Menominee County from elimination
February 13, 2019
:46
After listening to the governor's 2019 State of the State address Tuesday night, Health
Policy and Human Services Committee Chairman Sen. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington,
issued the following statement.
February 13, 2019
:40
Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, comments on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2019 State of the
State address.
February 13, 2019
:31
Sen. Jim Runestad , R-White Lake Twp.comments on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2019
State of the State address.
February 13, 2019
:18
Sen. Kim LaSata released her remarks following the governor's 2019 State of the State
address on Tuesday.
February 13, 2019
:48
Sen. Wayne Schmidt released remarks following the governor's 2019 State of the State
address on Tuesday.
February 13, 2019
:34
After listening to the governor's 2019 State of the State address Tuesday night, Sen.
Lana Theis, R-Brighton, issued the following statement:
February 13, 2019
:29
State Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo discusses Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2019 State
of the State address.
January 16, 2019
1:01
State Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township, offered her support for Senate Bill 1, the first bill of the 100th Legislature, which would reform Michigan's auto no-fault system to help lower auto insurance costs for motorists in the state.
January 10, 2019
1:36
LANSING, Mich.-State Senator Kim LaSata said in an audio recording released today that she is honored to represent Southwest Michigan residents at the state Capitol, and highlighted issues that she is prioritizing in the new year.
"From auto insurance reform to fixing our roads and improving education, Southwest Michigan's priorities are my priorities," LaSata said. "As we begin the 100th Legislature, working together will become very important as we begin tackling tough challenges and pursuing new opportunities to make our state better."
December 5, 2018
1:05
I was happy to vote to support moving forward with legislation allowing
construction of a utility tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The original version
of Senate Bill 1197 tasked the Mackinac Bridge Authority with responsibility for the
tunnel. Over the last few days, I have had many discussions and folks from my
district have voiced their concerns with previous versions of the bill. I sponsored an
amendment to the legislation that would remove the bridge authority from bearing
any responsibility for the tunnel and place that job in the hands of the newly created
Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority. Many folks in my district rely on propane
coming through Line 5, and I believe this is the best way to ensure residents get the
supplies they need, while also doing our best to keep the Great Lakes safe.
October 3, 2018
:35
The state of Michigan and Enbridge Energy announced an agreement that will lead to
major safety enhancements along the entire length of the Line 5 pipeline crossing the
state, permanently shut down the current segment that crosses the Straits of
Mackinac, and construct a multi-use utility tunnel beneath the straits. All costs for the
tunnel will be paid by Enbridge.
June 13, 2018
1:55
My colleagues and I in Lansing have worked hard in recent months to once again
approve a balanced budget ahead of schedule. I am proud to announce that the
Legislature has formally sent the final 2018-2019 budget to the governor for approval.
This budget includes investments in roads, public safety and our schools, while also
putting away money for the future needs of our state. I am proud to deliver this budget
to Michigan's hardworking taxpayers.
June 7, 2018
:27
We in the 32nd District are blessed to have the beautiful Great Lakes Bay Region
right in our back yards. Twice a year - once in the summer and once in the winter -
the state waives all licensing fees for residents and nonresidents alike for a
weekend. These free fishing weekends allow everyone to enjoy the world-class
fishing opportunities our state has to offer. Though licensing fees are waived, all
regulations still apply. Entry fees for state public boating access sites, state parks
and recreation areas are also waived. Whether you're on a river in Saginaw County
or a lake in Genesee County, there are endless opportunities to get out with the
family and enjoy this timeless pastime.
For more information, including a list of activities across the state, visit
www.Michigan.gov/FreeFishing
June 7, 2018
:27
"From fishing on our 36,000 miles of rivers and 11,000 inland lakes to riding on 3,700
miles of route trails to just enjoying time with family in one of our state parks, this
weekend offers great opportunities for residents to have fun in Michigan's great
outdoors," Zorn said.
June 7, 2018
:19
OK2SAY connects tip providers to the state police, who assess the situation and then
refer the information to the appropriate school officials or law enforcement. Senate Bill
991 would ensure that the state police have the contact information for a school
official who can receive critical information at any time.
June 7, 2018
:31
The Senate-passed school safety package includes Senate Bill 959, which requires the
Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) to develop statewide
training standards for active-violence situations in schools.
June 6, 2018
:26
Michiganders are fortunate to never be too far from a body of water. Twice a year -
once in the summer and once in the winter - the state waives all licensing fees for
residents and nonresidents alike for a weekend. These free fishing weekends allow
everyone to enjoy the world-class fishing opportunities our state has to offer.
Anglers of all ages can get outdoors and enjoy Pure Michigan.
Though licensing fees are waived, all regulations still apply. Entry fees for state
public boating access sites, state parks and recreation areas are also waived. For
more information, including a list of activities across the state, visit
www.Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
May 31, 2018
:24
The Michigan Senate has approved legislation to fully fund and implement the
governor's $100 million "Marshall Plan for Talent." Senate Bills 941 and 942 would
invest in new competency-based education programs, equipment for the program and
career and technology education, student scholarships, career exploration tools and
more.
May 24, 2018
1:06
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who selflessly gave the ultimate sacrifice to
ensure that you and I were able to enjoy the freedoms Americans are blessed with. It is
also a time when many Michiganders choose to enjoy those freedoms by taking a
vacation and getting away from their busy lives. I want to remind residents to stay safe
this holiday and to take the time to participate in a parade or event that honors our
country's fallen soldiers.
May 17, 2018
:37
LANSING, Mich. - Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, spoke from the Senate chamber on
Thursday in support of reforms he sponsored that would end the burdensome and
costly Health Insurance Claims Assessment, more commonly known as HICA, while
adequately funding Michigan's Medicaid program. The long-term funding solution
would provide substantial relief to both businesses and consumers while meeting
federal obligations.
May 16, 2018
:54
I was happy to hear today's news that the state's revenues are up from the projections
earlier this year. This gives us a bit more flexibility as we continue through the budget
process in the next few weeks. I look forward to working with my colleagues to come
up with a plan for the money, whether it is funding crucial programs at a higher rate,
paying down debt, or saving the money for future needs and investments.
May 16, 2018
:42
This was a true example of how the process is supposed to work. The outdated law
was brought to my attention by a constituent at a recent coffee hours. When the
original law discounting registration fees for handicap accessible vehicles was
written, only vans were capable of being modified to be handicap-accessible, so
only vans are able to receive a discounted fee. While legislators I'm sure had good
intent, times change and laws need to keep up. Modern technology allows other
vehicles, including pickup trucks, to be modified with hand controls or a wheelchair
lift and should also qualify for a discounted rate as well. I was happy to see this
measure supported by my colleagues and the governor alike.
May 10, 2018
:42
This was something that was suggested to us by the Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Task Force. Members of the task force spent a great deal of time and effort studying
the issue from all aspects and limiting the use of drones on Mackinac Island was
one thing that gained traction. The report specifically cites Mackinac Island as an
area that should be protected because instances of drones startling horses has
created a safety concern. These horses typically do well around crowds of people,
but anyone can see that a frightened horse mixed with a crowd of people is bad
news. I think there is a valid safety concern there and this bill seeks to remedy that
so everyone can safely enjoy one of Michigan's busiest and oldest tourist
attractions.
May 9, 2018
1:12
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, discusses the Mackinac County Road
Commission's recent announcement that the county will see a $1,010,000 investment
in its roadways after a deal was reached between local townships, the county board
and the county road commission.
May 3, 2018
:37
The Michigan Senate passed next year's state budget. The balanced budget reduces
costs to taxpayers by more than $250 million while still increasing the state rainy day
fund to almost $1 billion.
May 3, 2018
1:40
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, applauds the Senate for approving the fiscal
year 2018-2019 budget which includes record K-12 funding increases, investments in
public safety by hiring 50 new troopers, training 80 additional troopers and adding
corrections officers to our state's prisons. Also, with this budget, the Legislature will
have added an accumulative investment of $2.1 billion to our roads since 2017.
April 25, 2018
:37
Suits and Sneakers has been raising awareness and money for cancer research for
two decades. It was originally geared toward basketball coaches, but soon spread to
numerous professions. I am proud to have once again joined my colleagues in bringing
attention to cancer and cancer research and standing in support of the brave
individuals fighting this battle.
April 24, 2018
1:05
Scouting allows young adults an opportunity to learn about the importance of hard
work, serving your community along with countless other valuable, life-saving skills. It
was my pleasure to welcome all of the eager young scouts, as well as senior members
and parents to the state Capitol in Lansing. My colleagues and I certainly enjoyed the
visit as well as the update on what the organization is doing.
April 20, 2018
7:53
The Michigan State Waterways Commission (MSWC) recently passed Resolution
02-2018-01, which recommended the Legislature pursue an effort to require the
registration, with a new fee, of all rigid-hulled kayaks, canoes and paddleboards
eight feet or longer. Currently, such vessels are exempt from registration fees when
used recreationally. I recently sponsored Resolution 153, which formally opposes the
recent MSWC recommendation. I will fight any legislative effort to impose such fees
on Michiganders enjoying our state's beautiful resources.
April 18, 2018
:25
The Michigan State Waterways Commission (MSWC) recently passed Resolution
02-2018-01, which recommended the Legislature pursue an effort to require the
registration, with a new fee, of all rigid-hulled kayaks, canoes and paddleboards
eight feet or longer. Currently, such vessels are exempt from registration fees when
used recreationally. I recently joined my colleagues in co-sponsoring Senate
Resolution 153, which formally opposes the recent MSWC recommendation. I will
fight any legislative effort to impose such fees on Michiganders enjoying our state's
beautiful resources.
April 11, 2018
:39
The recent shipping incident that left the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline and other
underwater cable lines damaged only further strengthens the skepticism surrounding
the underwater lines beneath the Straits of Mackinac. It is time we shut down Line 5
and pursue other, safer alternatives before irreversible damage to our environment
takes place.
March 9, 2018
:30
Critically acclaimed vocalist Helen Welch will celebrate the magic and music of the
Carpenters on Sunday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater.
June 22, 2017
1:08
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, discusses the fiscal year 2018 budget, which
includes several initiatives important to northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
June 6, 2017
9:19
State Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, recently chatted with Michael Patrick Shiels about
various issues making their way through state government, along with his philosophy when it
comes to introducing bills.
February 14, 2017
7:28
The senator spent time discussing his newly introduced MIThrive initiative along with
School Reform Office's decision to shut down some of the state's lowest performing
schools.
February 8, 2017
6:57
The MIThrive initiative is a bipartisan package aimed at redeveloping vacant
properties across our state. These properties, known as brownfield properties, are
often the remains of previous industrial sites that are incredibly costly to clean up
and redevelop. Because of these associated costs, they are viewed as unfavorable
to developers and often sit vacant for many years. This legislation seeks to "close
the gap" on the overall construction costs by allowing the developer to receive a
portion of the newly generated tax revenue from that site, with the rest being
distributed to the state and local government that houses the property. The
legislation also includes provisions stating that no taxpayer money can be used
toward the initial investment, placing the financial burden solely on the private
developer.
January 18, 2017
:37
Gov. Rick Snyder's call to upgrade the Soo Locks as part of his 2017 State of the
State address.
January 18, 2017
:42
After Gov. Rick Snyder's 2017 State of the State address Tuesday night, Shirkey spoke
about the importance of the Healthy Michigan initiative.
October 18, 2016
1:06
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, discusses bipartisan legislation, which the
Senate approved Tuesday, that would streamline existing laws governing the state's
brownfield redevelopment program.
April 19, 2016
4:22
State Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, joined the Michael Patrick Shiels radio
show on Tuesday, April 19 to discuss the importance of tourism in northern Michigan
with Chris Hale of the Shanty Creek Resort.
February 3, 2016
:32
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, issues a public service announcement inviting
Michiganders to attend the 48th annual I-500 snowmobile race in Sault Ste Marie this
weekend. The race features some of America's top snowmobilers on North America's
only one mile oval ice track.
January 20, 2016
:37
Tonight we heard a governor with a plan. He gave a very good explanation of the
problem in Flint and the steps to fix it. He was forthcoming, accepted responsibility
and expressed his willingness to work with the Legislature and the local government in
the city to resolve the problem.
January 20, 2016
1:37
Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, comments on the Flint water crisis and the need to
upgrade the Soo Locks in reaction to Gov. Rick Snyder's 2016 State of the State
address.
November 4, 2015
:25
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, comments on the passage of a comprehensive
road funding plan.
November 4, 2015
17:34
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, talks with WTCM-AM radio about the passage
of a comprehensive road funding plan.
September 23, 2015
6:46
Senator Ken Horn R.- Frankenmuth: Discusses Pasties to a balanced budget amendment and a range of topics on the Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels show in
Michigan.
July 8, 2015
7:28
Senator Wayne Schmidt (R) Traverse City: Discussed baseball and the National
Cherry festival on the Michael Patrick Shiels radio show. Tuesday night senator threw out
the first pitch at the Lansing Lugnuts game.
July 7, 2015
2:50
Senator Wayne Schimdt R Traverse City: Discusses Pure Michigan with Michael
Patrick Shiels about, The 90th Annual National Cherry Festival is going on in Traverse
City Michigan. July 4th thru the 11th.
June 10, 2015
5:56
Michigan Senator Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, appears on Michael Patrick Shiels'
"The Big Show" and speaks about the Pure Michigan advertising campaign.
June 9, 2015
37:00
WWJ's Jackie Paige hosts a special program from Lansing on all things Energy with a variety of panelists, including Sen. Ken Horn.
May 29, 2015
10:07
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, talks with radio host Michael Patrick Shiels about the Detroit Regional Chamber Policy Conference on Mackinac Island.
May 14, 2015
:52
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, talks about the economic benefits of allowing pedal pubs in Michigan
May 13, 2015
:32
Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, discusses Senate Bills 245 and 246, which would toughen penalties for individuals convicted of poaching certain animals in Michigan.
March 19, 2015
0:23
March 11, 2015
0:21
March 5, 2015
0:40
Senator Zorn: Senate Bills help community college students find work, small businesses find workers.
February 25, 2015
0:15
January 21, 2015
0:42