Dear neighbor,

Below you will find legislative updates from the state Capitol that are important to the residents of Oakland County. Thank you for taking the time to read my latest newsletter!

Senator Jim Runestad
Serving the 15th State Senate District

My legislation to protect Michigan public pensions from politically motivated investing strategies was approved earlier this week by the Senate Committee on Finance.

Decisions on investments need to focus on the finances to keep pension promises made to police officers, firefighters, public school employees, and thousands of other public employees. A fiduciary's sole duty should be to secure the pensions and therefore retirements of their members, not advancing personal or political agendas.

Senate Bill 1192 would amend the Public Employee Retirement System Investment Act to require that only pecuniary factors, such as risk or return on investment, funding objectives and others be considered in the evaluation of investments — and that any noneconomic, nonfinancial, social, political, or ideological objectives not be considered.

I introduced the legislation in September after the Michigan State University Board of Trustees removed a resolution from its agenda that would have called on companies doing business with the university to oppose the Secure MI Vote ballot initiative.

If an activity is legal, then it is legal to invest in it, and we should not be pushing divestment in legal activities through political activity in the boardroom. This bill will ensure that Michigan keeps its promises to public employees, and to the taxpayers that would have to compensate for any future pension failures. SB 1192 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

I recently spoke with Fox 19 WXMI-TV about the importance of Michigan’s Right to Work law following Democrats’ promises to repeal the law once they gain control of the Legislature next year. Click here or on the image below to watch the report.

I was happy to join our local veterans to honor their service this past Veterans Day in Westlake. Thank you to all of the veterans who have served our country, our people, and our cause of freedom.

Sen. Ruth Johnson and I put on a successful educational forum regarding the recent transit tax proposal in Oakland County.

The state of Michigan offers several energy assistance programs to help eligible senior and low-income households keep utilities in service or have service restored. Immediate relief may be available through a network of nonprofit organizations and other financial assistance programs.

Hunting has been a tradition for many Michigan families for generations. Our state offers vast opportunities for hunters, who play an important role in wildlife conservation and management while contributing roughly $11 billion to the state’s economy and supporting 171,000 of Michigan jobs. In 2021, nearly 540,000 deer hunters harvested almost 400,000 deer.

New deer harvest reporting regulations are in effect for the 2022 deer firearm seasons. A deer harvest must be reported online within 72 hours at Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport. Hunters who are unable to do so can have a family member help or call 517-284-9453 for assistance. There are also several locations around the state where hunters can go for in-person assistance from the DNR. The 2022 edition of the Michigan Hunting Digest from the Department of Natural Resources features all current state rules and regulations, and is one of several digests available online and that can be downloaded to a smartphone or other personal device for use in the field.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is once again hosting its Bob Ross-inspired Run For The Trees: Happy Little 5K. This very popular event has helped generate a stable source of funding for Michigan state parks.

Race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts — such as invasive plant and forest pest management and early detection surveys — in Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Many of these locations have been affected by tree pests and diseases like emerald ash borer and oak wilt.

Runners, walkers and hikers can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 22-28. For $34 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal.  Registration is now open.

Between 2016 to 2020, the Michigan State Police reported 202,232 crashes resulting in 370 fatalities, due to winter driving conditions. Before heading out on icy roads, drivers should double check to see that their vehicle is in good working order, check the forecast and road conditions, and prepare an emergency kit to keep in the vehicle.

The DNR is seeking interested candidates to serve on the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup, which assists the Michigan Trails Advisory Council in providing the DNR advice on the creation, development, operation and maintenance of the designated snowmobile trail system. Members will serve a four-year term and are expected to participate in four meetings a year.

Complete an online application or contact Anna Centofanti by email at [email protected] or by phone 517-331-6219 with questions or for more information.