Last week, legislation aimed at funding repairs for every severe bridge in the state was introduced in the Michigan Senate. Senate Bill 529 would utilize $1.5 billion in one-time federal recovery funds to repair more than 400 bridges across the state.

Of the nearly 12,000 bridges in Michigan, 7,038 are managed by local municipalities. Of that number, over 400 are in critical need of repairs. SB 529 would fund repairs for all of the bridges in severe condition.

The bill also includes an additional $126 million in federal money to improve safety at several intersections between railways and roadways. SB 529 was referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

As much of the country begins to get back to a sense of normalcy, Michigan residents still face a burden when trying to utilize some of the most basic services from our state government. While states like Indiana and Ohio can receive same-day services, Michiganders are still being turned away from our secretary of state branch offices because they don’t have an appointment.

Recently, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her plan to keep branch offices closed permanently to same-day and walk-in services. In addition, Benson has eliminated evening and weekend hours at all branches. To make matters worse, if a customer misses a scheduled appointment, they could be blocked from making another appointment.

Making hard-working residents wait months for an appointment has consequences for families who are already hurting. People can’t transfer a title to buy or sell a car, boat, or trailer, and skilled workers like mechanics and CDL drivers can’t get the certifications they need for their employment.

In response to the secretary of state’s decision, the Senate added a requirement in the upcoming budget that the department must offer in-person services without an appointment in order to receive funds for branch operations. The budget requirement won’t take effect until the beginning of fiscal year 2022 on Oct. 1. In the meantime, it is important that people make their voices heard and let Secretary Benson know we are not in favor of her decision!

Last month, I asked constituents to voice their opinion when our governor was trying to make permanent changes to the MIOSHA workplace rules. I believe the large number of Michigan residents who voiced their opinion is why Gov. Whitmer withdrew her efforts.

Michiganders need to, again, make their voices heard and send a message to Secretary of State Benson. I encourage you to visit the newly created website at www.misenategop.com/openupsos to share your thoughts on Secretary Benson’s decision to close branch offices to same-day and walk-in services.

Republicans in the Senate have introduced legislation aimed at reforming the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency.

Gov. Whitmer’s mismanagement of the UIA was exposed when her COVID-19 shutdown orders left thousands of Michigan residents out of work through no fault of their own. But just when their services were needed most, the UIA was plagued by backlogs, identity fraud, and even theft, while honest citizens struggled to receive their benefits.

Senate Bills 531-536 would require local branches to open and begin serving residents; limit the length of emergency rules and require legislative approval for emergency rule extensions beyond six months; prohibit the agency from removing work search requirements; require background checks for third-party contractors; and establish a unit of employees dedicated exclusively to monitoring and investigating fraudulent activity.

The bills were referred to the Senate Committee on Economic and Small Business Development for consideration.

Recently, Republicans in the state Senate introduced legislation that would allow law-abiding adults to conceal carry firearms without a license.

Senate Bills 489-492 would repeal the current requirement to obtain a concealed pistol license for individuals who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a pistol and allow concealed carry without a license where either open-carry or concealed-pistol license holders are currently allowed to do so.

SBs 489-492 were referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee for consideration.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy announced two separate grants aimed at improving water quality in 33rd District communities.

The city of Greenville was recently awarded a $203,245 Drinking Water Asset Management Grant. This funding is meant to assist the city water supply with asset management and distribution system materials inventory as defined in Michigan's Lead and Copper Rule.

The city’s drinking water asset management plan will be updated based on the information gathered from the distribution system materials inventory work as well as to other portions of the project.

Also included in this round of grants is a $15,000 Affordability and Planning Grant for the village of Sheridan. These grants are meant to assist communities with addressing affordability and planning needs like asset management, water rate plans or watershed plans. They also support long-term infrastructure needs to address public health and environmental risks.

Both grants were a part of the MI Clean Water Plan — a plan to invest $500 million to help communities around the state upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

The Legislature has invested heavily in ensuring residents have safe, clean drinking water in their homes. I am happy to see some of that money making its way back to the 33rd District.

The 33rd state Senate District includes Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm Counties.

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