Dear Neighbors,

Welcome to this month’s edition of my e-newsletter. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the tough issues that will help lower the cost of living, help families get ahead, and build a brighter future for all who call Michigan home.

As always, I welcome your feedback on current issues facing Michigan or the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights, and Utica communities. Constituent feedback is vital as I represent our communities in Lansing. If you are experiencing a problem with one of our state government agencies, my office is always available to assist with finding a solution. I respect your opinion and will always do my best to make myself available and accessible to you.

Please take a moment to visit my website, like my official Facebook page, send me an email or call my office at 517-373-0994. If you have any questions, concerns or opinions on what is happening, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Michael Webber
State Senator
9th District

The Democratic-controlled Legislature has once again used its position to pass an unsustainable and irresponsible budget plan that relies on more debt, higher taxes and taking money out of classrooms.

After blowing through a record $9 billion budget surplus last year, the Democrat majority this year raided $670 million from the teacher retirement fund and imposed a $700 million income tax hike on hardworking Michigan residents. This budget funds the governor’s Global Michigan office and creates over 450 new government positions, which will strain the budget for years to come.

Perhaps most disappointing is that for the first time in over a decade, Michigan’s classrooms will not receive an increase in per-pupil funding. Their plan cuts the education budget and reduces investment in school safety and student mental health by 92%. I am baffled by the decision to cut this funding when these programs are needed more than ever.

People in Michigan are paying more for less as we all struggle with historically high inflation. This irresponsible budgeting will put our state in a bad position for years to come.

I recently introduced Senate Bill 921, which would establish a review commission to study the impact of proposed state mandates on health care insurers that exceed the essential health benefits required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ensure health care remains affordable in Michigan. The state Legislature is debating important legislation that could cover benefits beyond what is required by the ACA, but it is imperative to balance those discussions with an eye toward cost and keeping health care affordable and obtainable for Michiganders in need.

SB 921 would create a Mandate Review Commission within the Legislative Council to review:

Health insurance premiums are a direct reflection of the costs of providers, facilities, and drugs, and a Mandate Review Commission would provide needed oversight to reduce unnecessary costs to employers and individuals.

I voted with the Michigan Senate to pass historic bipartisan legislation to increase government transparency by expanding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applications to include the governor’s office and state Legislature. Senate Bills 669 and 670 were each passed 36-2 and were sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

I have supported efforts to expand and clarify FOIA throughout my time in the Legislature, and I was proud to cast my vote in support of this important legislation to make Michigan’s government more accountable to the people it serves. This is a major step forward in addressing the crucial need to shine more light on our state government.

Michigan’s FOIA law is one of the few across the country that exempts state lawmakers and the governor’s office from records requests. This earned Michigan an F-grade in government integrity from the Center for Public Integrity, which ranked our state last overall for systems to deter government corruption in 2015.

Previously, I introduced SB 154 to clarify what and who is covered under FOIA after an Oakland County Circuit Court ruling that found a union member teacher’s class curriculum was not available under FOIA, despite the educator being an employee of a public school system. My bill would expand access to information to meet what reasonable Michiganders already believe is covered under the current law. No parent should be denied access to what is being taught to their children inside public classrooms.

I look forward to cheering on Utica High School graduate Freddie Crittenden III, along with the rest of Team USA competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The Olympics offer a special opportunity for international unity and national pride as the best athletes from around the world compete. The year’s Summer Olympics will be especially memorable for the Utica community as one of their greatest track and field stars competes in the Paris games.

Born in St. Louis, Crittenden’s family later moved to Michigan, where he graduated from Utica High School in 2013 and still holds a school record in the 100-meter hurdles. He now lives and trains in Phoenix and officially qualified for his first Olympics experience in June. Round 1 of the men’s 100-meter hurdles takes place at 5:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 4.

In all, 17 Michigan natives will compete as members of the Team USA roster at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The people of Michigan are sure to have a lot to celebrate as the world watches the games unfold in Paris. I look forward to rooting on Freddie and the rest of Team USA as they battle to win gold for the red, white and blue.

I was heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting incident at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad that shocked the Rochester Hills community on June 15. I prayed for the victims and their families, and I am happy that all have since been released from the hospital. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our first responders, including the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, and nearby paramedics who responded quickly. The Greater Rochester Area will remain a strong community and we will support each other during this tragic time.

I encourage members of the Greater Rochester Area community in need of assistance to utilize resources available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The MDHHS Crime Victims Compensation team has connected with the city of Rochester Hills and Oakland County victim advocates to spread awareness about state resources to help crime victims with various needs. Anyone physically, emotionally, psychologically, or mentally injured as the direct result of a crime may apply for assistance through the agency.

Follow the link to learn more about MDHHS Crime Victim Compensation for the Rochester Hills Mass Violence Response. Those who have questions about eligibility for financial assistance can also email the department at MDHHS-MichiganCrimeVictim@michigan.gov.