Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Spring is finally upon us and the Senate has sprung into action. With Democrats holding a slim majority, there have been some severely disappointing bills pushed through the Legislature that I have opposed. Their majority is held by a very thin margin, and it is clear that we should not be prioritizing radical, far-left policies. Rather, we ought to focus on growing our economy and making our state an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family.

Michigan cannot afford to go back to the failed policies of the Lost Decade, and I will continue leading my Republican colleagues in fighting back against legislation that would take our state in the wrong direction. So far, we have been able to use some of the parliamentary tools at our disposal to hold Democrats accountable, force compromises, and soften the impact of poor policy decisions. It is not an easy task, but we will keep fighting.

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
District 20

In 2010, Michigan was ranked dead last in economic growth compared to other states around our nation. Republicans worked hard on a plan to turn our economy around and make Michigan more competitive. This plan prioritized policies that empowered workers and individuals to make their own choices and supported small businesses across our state. Now, legislation has been working through Lansing that would move our state in the wrong direction by reinstating prevailing wage policies and repealing Right to Work. Despite all the progress we have made, Democrats continue to bulldoze ahead with plans that would suffocate economic development in our state by returning to the failed policies of the Lost Decade.

Prevailing wage requirements stifle competition and are an obvious gimmick to pay big union backers at the expense of the taxpayers. Studies have continued to show these measures force government to pay millions more than necessary. Further, any attempt to repeal Right to Work is a slap in the face to all blue-collar workers. No one should be forced to pay union dues and join an organization against their will as a condition of employment. Michigan cannot afford to put far-left partisan interests above those of our citizens. If Democrats are serious about making Michigan more competitive and developing our economy, they should be focused on working with us to support pro-freedom policies that keep Michigan competitive, help grow our economy, and protect the rights of workers.

Click here to see Sen. Nesbitt speak about these issues on the Senate floor.

Recently, several pieces of legislation came before the Senate that sought to change Michigan’s laws regarding firearms. Many people agree that there is a need to address an increasing pattern of violence across our communities. There is great passion, anger, and an overwhelming desire to act, which is why Sen. Nesbitt and his Republican colleagues proposed investing $1 billion for school safety and for prosecutors to strongly enforce our existing laws that protect our communities. Legislative efforts need to be focused on solutions that will actually prevent violence — not doing something just to do something but working together to do the right things.

Schools and places of learning need more access to quality security options — this means dedicating investments to ensure the availability of resource officers, purchasing necessary software and technology, and making buildings safer. Likewise, laws already on the books must be enforced. It was very upsetting that Democrats refused to make investments in these important and needed endeavors. Lawmakers must do better than the partisan bills passed last week.

Members of the Legislature have a genuine responsibility to come together and find solutions that will better protect everyone in our state. In past years, significant investments have been made to help make our schools safer, but more is still needed. We need to continue those efforts, along with ensuring that existing laws are being enforced, and pursuing improvements to mental health care. There is no one simple solution, but together lawmakers can work toward a safer future for everyone.

Earlier this month, legislation was brought before the Senate to expand Michigan’s laws regarding abortion. Republicans offered a series of amendments to hold Democrats to their promises that the passage of Proposal 3 would not impact commonsense and popular laws designed to protect women and the unborn — such provisions as protecting babies with Down syndrome, strengthening penalties against coercion, requiring parental consent for minors, improving adoption services and funding safe housing, prenatal care, and other pregnancy resources for women in need.

Instead of keeping their word, Democrats voted down every amendment that was offered and chose to side with the extreme elements of their base over the majority of voters. The Legislature should not be advocating for the priorities of extremist abortion activists but should be fighting back against dangerous policies that harm women and children.

The Hartford Public Schools foundation recently held its annual auction. Sen. Nesbitt and Rep. Pauline Wendzel presented a state tribute honoring the life and legacy of the late Jon Bisnett.

Sen. Nesbitt had an opportunity to read to students at Bloomingdale Elementary for March is Reading Month!

Allegan leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony for the city’s downtown reconstruction project. Sen. Nesbitt and Rep. Rachelle Smit had the opportunity to join for the ceremony.