Dear Neighbors,

Welcome to this month’s edition of my e-newsletter. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the tough issues that will help lower the cost of living, help families get ahead, and build a brighter future for all who call Michigan home.

As always, I welcome your feedback on current issues facing Michigan or the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights and Utica communities. Constituent feedback is vital as I represent our communities in Lansing. If you are experiencing a problem with one of our state government agencies, my office is always available to assist with finding a solution. I respect your opinion and will always do my best to make myself available and accessible to you.

Please take a moment to visit my website, like my official Facebook page, send me an email or call my office at 517-373-0994. If you have any questions, concerns or opinions on what is happening, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Michael Webber
State Senator
9th District

The direct and in-direct importance of the auto industry in Michigan cannot be understated. So many families and businesses across our state, and particularly around Metro Detroit, are economically affected by the well-being of this workforce.

A prolonged labor strike would take a devastating personal and economic toll on families and communities across the region and our entire state — one economist estimates a 10-day strike could cost the U.S. economy $5.6 billion, a blow that would surely hit Michigan harder than any other state as our economy is already lagging behind others. Like many, I hope this dispute will be quickly and fairly resolved.

The push to transition to electric vehicles has created understandable economic uncertainty among auto workers and it is vital that all parties negotiate in good faith and do everything possible to reach a timely settlement that allows automakers to continue creating good-paying jobs for the prosperity of Michigan’s future.

Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and Sterling Stamping Plant, and the Ford Sterling Axle Plant, Ford Van Dyke Powertrain Center and Ford Transmission Plant Fields are all located within the 9th Senate District.

The impact of the auto industry goes far beyond the plant doors. From the auto workers to the auto dealers, from the customers those dealerships rely upon to those who frequent local restaurants and other businesses, everyone will feel the economic pinch of a prolonged auto strike.

The 9th Senate District includes the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights and Utica and is home to the largest concentration of auto dealerships in the state.

The governor and Democrats in control of the Legislature have unveiled their plans for the fall legislative session. Unfortunately, their plans are at odds with the reality millions of Michigan residents are facing every day.

On the heels of the highest inflation Michigan has seen in four decades, our governor is still fighting to increase income taxes and costs for hardworking families. Rather than supporting proven policies that have worked for decades that focus on lowering taxes, reducing oppressive regulations, investing in infrastructure, and providing access to reliable and affordable energy, the governor and Democratic members of the Legislature are doubling down on policies that would do the opposite. Their plans would cripple economic growth and supercharge the inflation we are already experiencing.

The Senate Committee on Energy and Technology continued testimony on a package of bills aimed at overhauling Michigan’s energy policy with overreaching green energy mandates.

The plan being pushed by the majority, modeled after the failed California-style Green New Deal, would leave Michigan residents with less reliable energy at a much higher cost. Their proposals are nothing more than government mandates that will raise the cost of doing business in Michigan — and ultimately pass the increases on to the paying customers — who already pay the highest energy rates in the Midwest.

Rather than focusing on the resources we already have and how we can improve service and reliability, the majority wants to disregard years of investment and strategy and start from square one using unproven methods that have not been tested on a statewide scale.

Michigan must develop an energy strategy that focuses on reliable, secure energy and storage. A strong and secure energy grid that is consistent in providing power for residents must be maintained over the long term and should be made up of various sources, such as natural gas and propane.

I will continue to support responsible spending and lower taxes that would lead to increased economic growth that benefits all residents and businesses in Michigan. My colleagues and I will continue to put forward proposals that provide relief for families and seniors and will return taxpayer dollars to individuals who worked hard for their income. Michigan residents are far more qualified to spend their money than the government.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently announced that her office would not pursue criminal charges in connection with an unannounced active intruder drill that took place at the only state-run psychiatric hospital for minors in December.

The serious concerns relating to operation of the Hawthorn Center run much deeper than one disastrous emergency drill. The stories we are hearing from families and former patients who have relied on the facility’s care range from heartbreaking to tragic and they deserve answers and accountability. While criminal activity may not be found in relation to this one event, many questions relating to proper care and other potentially unlawful actions remain unanswered. It is my hope that this recent announcement from the attorney general’s office is just the beginning of an expanded and more comprehensive investigation. More must be done on behalf of individuals and families who have suffered in the center’s care.

I have called on Senate committee chairs to open hearings on the Hawthorn Center. In July, I made a formal request along with other legislators to the Office of the Auditor General to investigate the facility after hearing testimonies shared during a Protect MI Kids listening session that was hosted in Rochester Hills. Michigan Auditor General Doug Ringler has said the request will be considered for the office’s 2024 audit cycle.

I attended the Rochester Hills Fire Department’s September 11th Remembrance Ceremony with state Rep. Mark Tisdel (right), R-Rochester Hills, and Fire Chief Sean Canto (center).

I presented a legislative tribute to Jet’s Pizza CEO John Jetts (center left) and Vice President of Store Operations Jeff Galloway (right) along with state Rep. Nate Shannon (center right), D-Sterling Heights, in celebration of the company’s 45th anniversary.

This is an anniversary worth celebrating as Jet’s Pizza is a true Michigan success story. It was founded in Sterling Heights by brothers Eugene and John Jetts in 1978 and began its franchise expansion in the 1990s. Jet’s America Inc. now serves the family’s signature deep-dish Detroit-style pizza at more than 400 locations across 21 states.

No appointment is necessary to attend. The 9th Senate District includes the cities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, and Utica along with parts of Oakland Township, Shelby Township and Sterling Heights.