Michigan Senate Republicans

Sen. Mark Huizenga comments on $25 million in a supplemental budget bill for a critical infrastructure improvement project in West Michigan.

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.

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.

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

Senator Runestad’s Teletown Hall Meeting, held on April 1st, 2020, with special guest Dr. Russell Faust, Medical Director for Oakland County Health

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.

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.

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."

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].

"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."

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.

Lansing: Senator Ken Horn shares his thoughts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her second State of the State address as Michigan's governor.

Lansing: State Sen. Lauwers, shares his thoughts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her second State of the State address as Michigan's governor.

Lansing: State Sen. Runestad, shares his thoughts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her second State of the State address as Michigan's governor.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

"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."

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.

"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.

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."

"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."

"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.

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."

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."

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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."

Senate approved his bill that would save the 95-A District Court Judgeship in Menominee County from elimination

Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, comments on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2019 State of the State address.

Sen. Jim Runestad , R-White Lake Twp.comments on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2019 State of the State address.

After listening to the governor's 2019 State of the State address Tuesday night, Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, issued the following statement:

State Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo discusses Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2019 State of the State address.