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 SenTAlbert@senate.michigan.gov, or by calling 517-373-1734 (toll-free at 855-347-8018).

Sincerely,

Thomas Albert
State Senator

I recently led the introduction of a legislative plan to eliminate the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Strategic Fund. It is time to reshape the state’s approach to job creation.

The 53-bill package would rein in corporate welfare and reduce the risk of bad investments by eliminating several programs that have failed to deliver an adequate return for taxpayers. Surviving initiatives would be transferred to a newly created Bureau of Fair Competition and Free Enterprise, which would include an independent compliance officer to help monitor how the state invests taxpayer money related to economic development.

More details about the plan are available here. The first and main bill in the package is Senate Bill 631.

The bottom line is that the MEDC, SOAR and several other programs are broken beyond repair — wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on giveaways to corporations and politically connected grant recipients. We should instead focus on programs that actually work while enhancing transparency and accountability.

In addition to fighting waste and fraud, this proposal shifts the focus of economic development away from government-run programs back to the private sector. We cannot continue replacing one failed corporate welfare scheme with another. We should instead get government out of the way, lower taxes and reduce bureaucracy so Michigan job creators and workers can lead the way to a brighter economic future.

The last few weeks have included some important dates for those with connections to the military — including Veterans Day and the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps, in which I proudly served. I also introduced a new proposal for our state to honor those who have been lost in service while defending our nation.

Senate Bill 703 would designate the Honor and Remember flag as the official symbol of Michigan’s commitment to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces members who have given their lives in the line of duty. The flag may be flown on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day or any other day when the military or a military member is honored.

Identical legislation has been introduced by Rep. Steve Frisbie in the Michigan House of Representatives.

The Michigan Legislature has approved a bipartisan transparency package to make the state budget process more accountable to the public.

House Bill 4420 and Senate Bill 596 require that all proposed legislatively directed spending be posted online at least 45 days before any budget vote. Each earmark request must include the name of the funding recipient, project location, a description of the public benefit and a conflict-of-interest disclosure before it can move forward.

These reforms aim to build trust in state government by helping taxpayers understand how decisions are being made and how their money is being spent.

As temperatures drop, many in our communities may find themselves needing help with heating their homes. The state of Michigan offers several energy assistance programs for eligible seniors and low-income households. Immediate relief may also be available through a network of nonprofit organizations and other financial assistance programs.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for the honor of representing you in Lansing.

The Thanksgiving season became a traditional time of gratitude and reflection even before the United States became a nation. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy continuing this tradition, and best wishes for the upcoming holiday season.