I recently received the honor of being recognized by Michigan Farm Bureau and receiving their Silver Plow award, which is one of their top legislative tributes.

Sen. Roger Victory and I were honored for our continuous support of Michigan farms and the agriculture industry.

I am both proud of and humbled by this recognition, and I will continue supporting legislation and programs that help Michigan’s hardworking farmers.

I was proud to support Senate Bills 783 and 784 as they were before the Senate Finance Committee and sent to the Senate floor for a full vote.

These bills would maintain the same level of tax relief for 100% disabled veterans but would transform the benefit from a property tax exemption to an income tax credit in order to ease the burden on local governments.

The process for eligible veterans to claim their credit would continue unchanged — a disabled veteran, or widow of a disabled veteran, would file an affidavit with their local unit of government to claim the exemption, which would then defer property tax collection until the Department of Treasury dispenses payment for reimbursement.

Our disabled veterans have given so much in service to our nation, and these bills are another way of showing our gratitude for their service.

I recently supported a resolution urging the adoption of policies that will lead to energy independence and lower energy costs in the United States, including ending the state’s efforts to shut down Line 5.

Senate Resolution 114 was adopted by the Michigan Senate. The resolution, in part, states “Plentiful affordable energy is essential for the well-being of the American people. The lack of an adequate energy supply leads to higher prices, fewer jobs, and threats to public health and safety. It should be the policy of the government at every level to ensure that energy is available, accessible, reliable and as affordable as possible.”

Michiganders have been getting crushed under the weight of rising gas prices, and we have to support American oil if we are to change that and not be dependent on foreign dictators for our energy.

The full text of the resolution can be read here.

I want to extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Lapeer County Deputy Michael Tappan, who was tragically shot and wounded in the line of duty.

It is vitally important, now more than ever, that we support our law enforcement officers. They risk their lives every day to keep us safe, and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.

My heart goes out to Deputy Tappan and his family, and I’d like everyone to join me in wishing him a speedy, healthy recovery and extending our utmost appreciation for his service.

During this Red Cross month, please consider donating blood at your nearest Red Cross blood drive. This is an issue that is important to my family, as my wife and I have frequently participated in blood drives in memory of our son. Please consider becoming a donor today, you never know when you might be able to save a life!

March 22 is National Agriculture Day! As a fourth-generation family farmer, I know first-hand the importance of agriculture to our state. Through my work as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to making sure that Michigan protects our farmers and supports the agriculture industry any way we can.

It was a great pleasure to attend the Cass City Citizens of the Year award ceremony. I am honored to represent such wonderful constituents and I was glad to thank them for their service!

It was my honor to present new Eagle Scout Douglas Bergman with a tribute from the state of Michigan for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Douglas built four bat houses and six blue bird houses and installed them at the Tuscola Township Park to help with the mosquito population.

Congratulations Douglas, along with your parents and grandparents!

My office is happy to offer legislative tributes in honor of noteworthy events such as retirement, anniversaries of businesses in our community, awards and public recognitions.

The 31th state Senate District includes all of Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.