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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.

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.

"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."

"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."

"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.

"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.

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.

State Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township, comments on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's fiscal year 2020 budget proposal.

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."

Sen. Peter J. Lucido, R-Shelby Township, speaks during a press conference on the Raise the Age plan, a bipartisan legislative package recently introduced in the state Senate that would raise the age of legal adulthood within the state's court system, establishing 17-year-olds as minors in most instances.

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

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.

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.

Sen. Kim LaSata released her remarks following the governor's 2019 State of the State address on Tuesday.

Sen. Wayne Schmidt released remarks following the governor's 2019 State of the State address on Tuesday.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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

"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.

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.

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.

LANSING, Mich.-State Sen. Peter MacGregor, R-Rockford, encouraged 28th Senate District residents to participate in the Department of Natural Resources summer free fishing weekend, this Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10. Fishing license fees will be waived Saturday and Sunday for all fish species on all bodies of water for all residents and out-of-state guests. Visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, discusses the fiscal year 2018 budget, which includes several initiatives important to northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

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.

Sen. Peter MacGregor spoke with hosts Gerry Brisson, president of Gleaners, and Dr. Phil Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan, during a recent episode of WJR's 'Food for Thought,' to discuss food insecurity and the work of food banks in the state.

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.

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.

Michigan's economic resurgence in reaction to Gov. Rick Snyder's 2017 State of the State address.

Gov. Rick Snyder's call to upgrade the Soo Locks as part of his 2017 State of the State address.

After Gov. Rick Snyder's 2017 State of the State address Tuesday night, Shirkey spoke about the importance of the Healthy Michigan initiative.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, comments on the passage of a comprehensive road funding plan.

Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, talks with WTCM-AM radio about the passage of a comprehensive road funding plan.

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.

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.

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.

Michigan Senator Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, appears on Michael Patrick Shiels' "The Big Show" and speaks about the Pure Michigan advertising campaign.

WWJ's Jackie Paige hosts a special program from Lansing on all things Energy with a variety of panelists, including Sen. Ken Horn.

Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, talks with radio host Michael Patrick Shiels about the Detroit Regional Chamber Policy Conference on Mackinac Island.

Sen. Peter MacGregor, R-Rockford, comments on legislation to repeal the state's prevailing wage law.

Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, talks about the economic benefits of allowing pedal pubs in Michigan

Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, discusses Senate Bills 245 and 246, which would toughen penalties for individuals convicted of poaching certain animals in Michigan.