Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With summer coming to a close and Labor Day in recent memory, it is important to remember the duty that our state government has to support Michigan’s workers and small businesses.

In 2010, Michigan was ranked dead last in economic growth compared to other states around our nation. My colleagues and I 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. Unfortunately, that progress has been undone as 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. By repealing Right to Work, reinstating prevailing wage, and allowing unions to compel private sector employees to turn over their private contact information, Democrats have made it clear that their true priorities lie with union bosses over the people of Michigan.

Prevailing wage requirements stifle competition and are an obvious gimmick to pay big union backers at the expense of taxpayers. Studies have continued to show these measures force government to pay millions more than necessary. Further, the repeal of 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.

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. You can also stay up to date with what I am doing in Lansing by following me on Facebook, or on X, fomerly known as Twitter. I look forward to listening and learning about your priorities and concerns for our state.

Blessings,

Aric Nesbitt
State Senator
District 20

Recently, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a partisan ruling regarding a law passed by the Legislature in 2018. Their ruling sets in motion phased-in changes to our wage and leave-time laws that will have a significant negative effect on the hospitality and tourism industries in Michigan. Thousands of jobs are on the line, and industry groups expect hundreds of small businesses could close if the Legislature does not act soon.

We have seen what happens when these policies are implemented. In 2023, Washington, D.C., passed a local policy phasing out the tip credit for hospitality workers. This led to the loss of more than 3,000 jobs. Extrapolated out to Michigan, industry studies estimate somewhere between 40,000 and 60,000 jobs could be lost. The Legislature must return to Lansing and fix this before it is too late.

This misguided ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court will make everything more expensive for struggling Michigan families, while also having a devastating effect on the jobs of tipped workers. The Legislature used its ability to take necessary action to ensure the minimum wage increase and new paid sick leave rules worked for all Michiganders in 2018. This decision flies in the face of that authority and Michigan businesses and workers.

The Legislature needs to act now to prevent catastrophic damage to the livelihoods of workers at restaurants and bars throughout our state that barely survived the mandated COVID lockdowns and are still facing increased costs due to inflation. We only need two Democrat senators in the Michigan Senate who care about the lives of Michigan workers to fix this devastating change.

The availability of reliable energy is a major economic factor impacting the livelihoods of millions of Michiganders. Sadly, the partisan policies being rammed through the Legislature by the majority ignore the needs of citizens across our state — creating new problems that will sacrifice the affordability, reliability, and efficiency of our grid at the altar of environmental activism.

Michigan must prioritize a strong energy strategy that focuses on reliable, secure energy generation and storage. We cannot afford to put all our eggs in one basket and must ensure that our grid is secure and consistent in providing power for residents. Reliable, affordable energy and a healthy environment are not mutually exclusive. We should not rush headfirst into 100% “green” energy without first making sure that we can reliably and affordably produce, store, and deliver power to residents. A strong and secure grid requires continued investment and improvements along with various generation methods, including traditional sources such as natural gas, propane, and nuclear.

It is also absolutely vital that we prioritize reliable energy that we can produce here on American soil, creating American jobs and furthering our national security interests. One way we can do so is by supporting important resource infrastructure such as Line 5 here in Michigan or the Keystone XL pipeline out west. Reducing our reliance on foreign resources helps to grow our economy and lower the cost of living. There is no doubt that energy legislation is a complex topic with many moving parts, but Senate Republicans are committed to working toward solutions that balance reliability, affordability, and long-term efficiency to best serve all of Michigan.

Recent events around the world have highlighted many concerns about attempts to limit the First Amendment rights enjoyed by all Americans. Sen. Nesbitt firmly believes that the rights to freedom of speech and religion are fundamental to our free society. We are a nation founded upon individual liberty and personal responsibility. People should be free to express themselves as they wish and bear responsibility for their words. Likewise, every American’s right to worship according to their religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American life. Defending against assaults on our God-given right to liberty is essential to maintaining our status as a free nation.

It is disheartening to see so many efforts attempting to weaponize big government to suppress and censor views that a vocal minority with a radical agenda does not agree with. We have long been a nation where people are free to speak their minds and even invoke change through speech and rhetoric. The freedom of expression should not be lost by any American citizen, and Senate Republicans will continue to stand up against government suppression and censorship. We must continue to fight to ensure that our essential liberties and rights are protected.

Sen. Nesbitt has long been an avid supporter of our First Amendment rights here in Michigan, and it is imperative that Congress give due consideration to this issue on a nationwide scale as well. The freedom to express one’s views and worship as one sees fit is and always has been an essential right since the founding of our great Republic.

Sen. Nesbitt toured PDS Plastics in Salem Township — a growing, family-owned business investing in West Michigan.

Sen. Nesbitt and Van Buren County Commissioner Mike Chappell recognized Pete Sinclair for his lifetime of community service with a state tribute and county proclamation.

Sen. Nesbitt and Van Buren County Commissioner Mike Chappell recognized Pete Sinclair for his lifetime of community service with a state tribute and county proclamation.