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Dear Friends:
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and provide updates about what is going on at Michigan’s Capitol.
I am the state senator for the 18th District – covering all of Barry County and parts of Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent and Ionia counties. Please feel free to contact me with any issues related to state government at [email protected], or by calling 517-373-1734 (toll-free at 855-347-8018).
Sincerely,
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Thomas Albert
State Senator
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‘Lame duck’ session begins
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In the November election, Republicans reclaimed majority in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 legislative session. This means Democrats will lose their full control over state government in a couple of months.
This may have consequences in the “lame duck” legislative period, which will ramp up in early December. Since the election, Democrats have introduced dozens of new bills and rushed dozens of others through committees in hopes of getting more laws finalized by the end of the year.
Here is a non-comprehensive list of some of the topics to watch for in the next couple of weeks:
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Wages and sick leave: The Legislature so far has failed to act on bills that would address the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling related to minimum wage, sick leave, and the elimination of the tipped wage credit. These court-ordered changes are scheduled to begin taking effect in February. If the Legislature does nothing, many restaurants — and potentially many other businesses — could lay off employees, reduce hours or close entirely. I have introduced legislation to keep the tipped wage system and other current minimum wage and sick leave laws in place. Our current laws sustainably continue to raise the minimum wage, while maintaining workable “time off” policies. Democrats also have proposed bills that would allow local communities to set their own wage and sick leave rules, which raises another set of potential problems. |
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Corporate welfare: Democrats continue to push for giving away even more taxpayer money to big corporations without an adequate return on investment to taxpayers. Instead of expanding or rebranding the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) program, I support eliminating it entirely and saving taxpayers money. We should lower taxes and support growing our economy from the ground up, rather than top-down policies that waste money. Some lawmakers are so reckless with taxpayer money that they are even proposing to revive the film credit subsidy program that failed and was eliminated in Michigan a decade ago. |
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Workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits: In 2011, Michigan made some commonsense changes to the insurance laws that help workers injured on the job. Democrats want to gut that system in a way that would significantly raise costs on job providers. Similarly, while some changes to the unemployment claim system may be warranted to make it easier for people to navigate, I am wary of changes that would raise costs for employers. Changes that would lead to higher prices and lost job opportunities are counterproductive. |
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Educational options: Democrats propose changes that would hinder the ability of public charter schools to operate in Michigan. Charter schools would face additional scrutiny and hurdles that do not apply to traditional K-12 public schools, an unfair attempt to limit a family’s choice in how their kids are educated. |
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Sex education: Democrats propose radically expanding how sex education is taught and permitting the distribution of contraceptives in schools. Abstinence would be deemphasized, and schools could teach abortion as a family planning and reproductive health option. |
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Public safety: Democrats have proposed a wide variety of bills that could further erode the principle of ‘truth in sentencing’ by allowing earlier release of criminals for a multitude of reasons. We must keep our communities safe and support law enforcement, rather than undermine it at every turn. We would be better served working to improve public safety, such as commonsense changes to our “move over” roadway laws. |
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Second Amendment: Legislation that would prohibit guns at the state Capitol and other legislative buildings would have, as originally introduced, also banned CPL holders from carrying in many locations now permitted by state law. We must avoid any changes that would undermine Second Amendment rights. |
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Illegal immigration: We should be getting stricter with issues related to border security, but some lawmakers want to allow immigrants who are not here legally to obtain driver’s licenses. Current Michigan law already allows immigrants who are here legally to get licenses, and that is as far as the law should go. |
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Election integrity: Michigan has gone too far with election law changes, as evidenced by the fact that a Chinese national who does not have citizenship here was able to vote in the most recent election. I will oppose anything that further weakens our system — including a potential push to join the National Popular Vote Compact. I believe Michigan voters should have their own voice in the presidential election, and joining the National Popular Vote Compact would dilute that voice by mandating our electoral votes go to whomever gets the most votes nationwide. |
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Again, these are just some of the topics that could be considered. There are dozens more that could potentially be voted upon. For up-to-date schedules of committee hearings and bill activity, please visit Legislature.mi.gov.
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I was fortunate to participate in the recent grand opening celebration for the new Care Resources facility in Lowell. This center — connected with PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) — will help meet a growing need in northern Kent, Ionia and Barry counties.
PACE provides services for those age 55 and older as an alternative to nursing homes. It became clear during the pandemic that, for many seniors, it is best to remain as independent as possible. And that is often best accomplished in your own home or with family members, supported by loved ones in a safe environment that is as familiar and stable as possible.
This new center is a great example of federal, state and local resources and officials working together to improve community services. I am honored that I was able to help assist the effort when I was chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
For more information on PACE, please visit PaceMichigan.com.
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As temperatures drop, many in our communities may find themselves needing help to heat their homes this winter. The state of Michigan offers several energy assistance programs to help eligible senior and low-income households keep or restore utility services. Immediate relief may be available through a network of nonprofit organizations and other financial assistance programs.
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Customers can call 211, visit Mi211.org or contact their utility company to see what programs are available in their area. |
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To apply online for the Michigan Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, visit the MI Bridges website. |
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Michigan deer firearm season now open
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Hunting has been a cherished tradition for many generations of Michigan families, including mine. Our state offers vast opportunities for hunters, who play an important role in wildlife conservation and management. Michigan’s regular firearm season for deer hunting began Nov. 15 and ends Nov. 30.
In 2023, 594,348 hunters harvested 347,008 deer. To get a look at what lies ahead for this season, hunters can check the deer season forecast. If you still need a license for this season, you can purchase one online or at a nearby retail location.
Before heading out, check the 2024 Deer Hunting Regulations Summary, which includes information on the types of deer that may be harvested in each season, antler point restrictions, and other essential guidelines. It can be downloaded to your smartphone or other personal device for use in the field.
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An important annual celebration of American culture is fast approaching as we celebrate Thanksgiving on Nov. 28. It’s a tradition with roots that predates the official founding of the United States by more than a century. President George Washington made it official in 1789 with the first national Thanksgiving Day proclamation.
This day is about much more than watching the Detroit Lions and eating turkey — although I enjoy both of those activities. This day is also about giving thanks, marking the start of a season of gratitude and celebration.
Happy Thanksgiving, and best wishes to you and your loved ones throughout this upcoming holiday season.
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Office hours scheduled for November, December
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I plan to host local office hours in multiple locations.
On Monday, Nov. 25, the times and locations for the office hours are:
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9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Biggby Coffee, 1114 W. Superior St. in Wayland.
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11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hastings City Hall, Council Chambers, 201 E. State St. in Hastings.
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On Friday, Dec. 6, the times and locations for the office hours are:
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11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Biggby Coffee, 11826 Fulton St. E in Lowell.
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Office hours are open to district residents to talk about issues related to state government or to request assistance with a state issue. No appointment is necessary, but space may be limited at some locations. Priority will be given to constituents seeking to discuss issues requiring privacy or individual attention.
Office hours in other 18th District locations will be scheduled at a later date.
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Michigan's 18th Senate District
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Senator Thomas A. Albert
4500 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorThomasAlbert.com
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