Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find an update on what is going on in your state Capitol.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 17th Senate District.

In Liberty,

Jonathan Lindsey
State Senator
17th District

I recently introduced legislation to make Michigan a national leader in solving the country’s immigration crisis.

My legislation would create the Developing Effective Policies on Orderly Removal and Transportation (DEPORT) Task Force. The task force would work to develop policies promoting President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove dangerous criminals from Michigan communities.

Under Senate Bill 40, the DEPORT Task Force would be tasked with identifying key federal, state, and local policies regarding illegal immigration and propose solutions that ensure Michigan is doing its part to help facilitate federal deportation efforts.

The speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives would select the members of the task force, which would consist of 15 members with varying backgrounds, including state legislators, law enforcement officials, local officials, and experts in combating human and drug trafficking.

It is imperative that the state of Michigan work with the Trump administration and federal immigration agencies to stop the crisis of illegal immigration and that we remove any state or local barriers. We must take every step possible to defend the integrity of our immigration system and ensure the public’s safety and the security of our economy.

The Michigan Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation to save the state’s tip credit system and protect thousands of hospitality industry jobs.

Over the summer, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled to force changes to the state’s minimum wage laws and eliminate the tip credit system relied upon by thousands of hospitality industry employees beginning on Feb. 21.

Senate Bill 8 would preserve the tip credit system at 38% this year, with 2% increases each following year until it reaches a 50% cap.

The Senate vote was a significant step toward saving more than 50,000 Michigan jobs and avoiding an economic catastrophe. We sent a strong message that we aren’t going to let out-of-state interests come to Michigan and run our businesses into the ground.

While I look forward to this legislation clearing the House and getting to the governor’s desk, there is still more work to be done on the paid sick leave provisions of the new law — which many business owners say will have a larger, more widespread impact on the state’s small businesses.

While I would have preferred to see a resolution to this issue months ago, I hope we can come together to get these critical changes signed into law and show Michigan businesses that we are standing with them over radical special interests.

Late last year, I was recognized for having the most conservative voting record in the Michigan Senate for 2024 by the Capitol news outlet MIRS.

MIRS reviewed 50 key votes from the legislative session and found that my votes reflected the conservative position 98% of the time.

I do my best to vote for liberty and against the behemoth of government. I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that help the people of Michigan in 2025. I will fight for free market solutions to our economic woes, defend the rights of every citizen, and push back against out-of-control government.

Speaking with residents about important issues that affect them, our communities, and our state is one of the most important parts of my job as your state senator.

My office recently scheduled the latest installment of my local office hours meetings for Monday, March 10. The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. at Martin’s Super Market, 720 S. 11th St. in Niles.

I will provide an update on legislative activity and be available to answer questions, provide information and assistance, and take suggestions on issues affecting families, businesses, and communities in the district.

No appointment is necessary to attend. For more information, or if you are unable to attend the office hour meeting, please feel free to contact my office at 517-373-3543.

The 17th state Senate District includes Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties, along with parts of Berrien, Calhoun, Jackson and Hillsdale counties.