Dear Friends:

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and provide updates about what is going on at Michigan’s Capitol.

I am the state senator for the 18th District – covering all of Barry County and parts of Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent and Ionia counties. Please feel free to contact me with any issues related to state government at SenTAlbert@senate.michigan.gov, or by calling 517-373-1734 (toll-free at 855-347-8018).

Sincerely,

Thomas Albert
State Senator

We must fundamentally change how we approach economic development in Michigan. Corporate welfare does not work and is failing our state — embodied in programs like the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

That’s why I recently reintroduced my legislative plan to eliminate SOAR. The program hands over taxpayer money to corporations with no common sense, accountability or return on investment. SOAR-backed projects across the state, notably in Calhoun County and Genesee County, have either cost far too much or failed to materialize.

I originally supported the creation of SOAR in 2021, but after seeing how it did not work as intended, I have consistently voted against its projects and funding since late 2022. The program is a lesson on the failures of big government economic planning.

More details on this legislative plan, contained in Senate Bills 486 through 491, are available here.

I am also working on future legislation aimed at responsibly dismantling the MEDC, which has funneled billions of tax dollars to huge corporations, risky startups and politically connected grant recipients without real accountability. Problem after problem has arisen with MEDC, including a $20 million grant now under investigation by the attorney general. A new approach is needed.

Much of the money we save by dismantling MEDC and SOAR could be reinvested in roads and community infrastructure. We could also lower taxes overall so Michigan becomes a more attractive place to live for everyone.

I have introduced legislation that would roll back some recent changes to Michigan’s youth employment system, while also proposing tougher penalties for employers who willfully fail to protect kids.

Senate Bill 496 would prevent the implementation of a state-run registry for youth employment, now scheduled to start in 2026. Instead, minors would continue to apply for work permits through their local schools — a system that has worked well in Michigan for decades.

Establishing a statewide registry and permission system may prompt some law-abiding employers to stop hiring kids, simply to avoid dealing with a new state bureaucracy. This process is better administered at the local level, leading to more job opportunities for kids.

No matter how the system is set up, keeping kids safe at work should be the top priority. My proposal would strengthen penalties for employers who willfully and knowingly violate our state youth labor laws.

Michigan is home to more than 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails. On Aug. 16-17, all routes, trails and the state’s six scramble areas will be open to residents and out-of-state visitors without needing ORV licenses or trail permits. All other rules and laws still apply.

Visit the DNR ORV webpage to download the ORV rules and regulations handbook, find ORV-friendly campgrounds and review maps of state-designated ORV trails!

My family, including the kids, is into fishing. You can stay informed about current fishing conditions around the state with Michigan’s weekly fishing report.

The website also includes a link to sign up for a weekly email, published by the Department of Natural Resources. The report includes information from creel clerks and DNR staff over the past week.

Fishing conditions can change rapidly, and this is a great way to stay on top of where the fish are biting in Michigan.

Michigan’s nationally recognized, prevention-based student safety reporting system received a record number of messages and calls during 2024. The 2024 report notes a record 11,671 tips across a total of 25 categories, including bullying; threats of suicide; anxiety, stress, depression and harassment; drugs; and sexual assault, misconduct or exploitation.

Since launching in 2014, OK2SAY has received 61,719 tips. The program allows students to report threatening behavior confidentially and empowers students to prevent violence and make their schools safer.

Anyone can report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees or schools. Tips can be reported 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by:

More information is available online, including resources for schools, age-appropriate presentations and resources for students who need additional support.

Do you have unclaimed property? The Michigan Department of Treasury is the custodian of millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes and stock certificates. By law, banks and other companies must turn over unclaimed property to the state until it is claimed by the rightful owner or heirs.

More than $675 million has been returned in the last five years. The Unclaimed Property database is easy to search, and claims can be made in a matter of minutes.