Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The past month has been very busy as the Legislature begins moving forward on a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, policy priorities are introduced as bills, and individuals all around the state continue to make their voices heard on the many issues we face today.

As Senate Republican leader, I look forward to working together with colleagues on both sides of the aisle when we have opportunities to move Michigan forward. That said, I stand ready to lead my fellow Republicans in slowing and stopping radical policies that would take our state in the wrong direction. This means building a stronger economy, helping family budgets, standing strong for personal liberties and constitutional rights, fighting against initiatives to expand the size and scope of government, and opposing policies that would make our state less competitive or cripple our economy.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the Legislature or state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by calling 517-373-0793 or by going to SenatorAricNesbitt.com. I look forward to listening and learning about your priorities and concerns for our state.

Blessings,
Aric Nesbitt
State Senator
20th District

This week, Senate Republicans successfully protected an upcoming income tax rollback due to all Michigan taxpayers. We will continue to advocate for immediate, meaningful, and ongoing tax relief that benefits all Michiganders, not just a select few. We can and should be working together to help all seniors and all families with long-term tax relief. This is why Republicans have proposed tax relief for all seniors rather than a select few, income tax reductions for all Michiganders, and $500 child tax credits to help struggling families.

Given the state’s historic budget surplus, all options should be on the table for helping all Michiganders with meaningful relief from historic inflation. People know how to spend their own money far more wisely than the government. Leaving more resources to families and small businesses, expanding freedom, and encouraging hard work and investment sets a strong foundation for a healthy economy and brighter future for all Michiganders.

Our state is currently faced with a $9 billion surplus in the budget while families and individuals struggle due to inflation. With this surplus we have an opportunity to provide immediate, meaningful relief to all Michiganders in the form of lower taxes as part of a balanced budget plan. Likewise, this surplus funding should not be spent to expand the size and scope of government, but should be responsibly invested in roads, bridges, water, and broadband infrastructure improvements that will benefit many generations to come. We also have an excellent opportunity to pay down long-term debt instead of leaving a burden for our children and grandchildren to deal with.

Further priorities include increased funding for law-enforcement and public safety. We must stand with the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities and should provide funding to recruit and retain more officers to keep our neighborhoods safe. Additionally, we will continue advocating to give students and teachers the resources they need to improve educational outcomes in our state, especially after students were forced to remain out of the classroom during the pandemic.

Reading is an absolutely fundamental building block for student success and, every year, we recognize March is Reading Month to highlight the importance of literacy and language skills. Our students are our future, and it is incredibly important that we take time to recognize the significance that skills such as reading play in their education. Even after March is over, it is our responsibility as legislators to look toward the future and continue working to make Michigan an even greater state for families to raise their children.

Over the past decade, we have made tremendous investments into our schools to better prepare our next generation to be productive members of society. Every student is different, and our priorities have helped provide options for students regardless of where they choose to go to school — public, private, charter, or otherwise. Likewise, we have continued to work at improving access to skilled-trades education and alternatives for students who might not choose to go to college or may wish to go straight into the workforce. I will continue prioritizing policies to help ensure that every student has a chance to succeed, that every teacher has the resources to do their job well, and that every parent is empowered to play a significant role in their child’s education.