Since my first visit to the Kinross Correctional Facility, in numerous meetings there since, and in talks with dozens of prison employees, I have never seen a more frustrated and demoralized workforce — and rightfully so. We need meaningful solutions that will help address the core issues, and one of the most common suggestions was reforming the pension system for Michigan corrections workers. Senate Bills 165-167 would allow state corrections officers to participate in the state police pension fund, which makes a significant step in the right direction and will help with both attracting and retaining new workers.

I was happy to vote yes on these bills and get this effort one step closer to the finish line. It is time to get this done for these officers and their families.

The Senate Committee on Education recently considered a package of bills that would negatively impact Michigan’s charter schools and their ability to operate in this state. You can read my statement below and watch my testimony during the committee hearing.

“I simply cannot believe what occurred in today’s Education Committee. We literally watched the committee chair attack the entire premise of for-profit corporations, the bedrock of the American economy and the source of innovation that made us a great nation. These bills lash out against our state’s charter school system. If they are enacted into law, make no mistake, many charter schools will likely close their doors, taking away successful options for parents and their children.

“Remember that in 1999, public schools in Detroit were so badly mismanaged and the outcomes were so dreadful that the state took control of the entire district. Today, more than 50% of all public school students in Detroit attend charter schools, many of which hire outside contractors to run the schools and manage the facilities. These charter schools have the best results in all of Detroit and have been critical to helping turn around that previously failing educational system.

“Under the proposals outlined in committee, charter schools will face onerous additional scrutiny beyond anything that vendors of traditional public schools experience when it comes to their operations and facilities. One bill goes so far as to dictate that charter school operators cannot even own their own property, while also completely ignoring the fact that unlike traditional public schools, charter schools have no mechanism for raising millages for school facilities.

“Many parents in our state have made their voices clear: They want these options to be available. To me, this is nothing more than legislating winners and losers, and it is based on a false narrative. I find the implication from the chair of the committee that charter schools only exist for the purpose of robbing the taxpayers both offensive and misleading.

“A contentious committee hearing where members’ questions were scoffed at and disregarded is not an acceptable way to govern. Transparency requires discussion and debate, and that’s not what we were presented with during the committee hearing this afternoon. I voted no on these bills after the committee hearing and will vote no on them again when they reach the full Senate.”

Michigan’s Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program is accepting pre-applications through Dec. 6, 2024.

These grants are meant to assist with projects that would reduce risks associated with privately and publicly owned dams in the state. Approximately $14.1 million in funding is available through the Dam Risk Reduction Fund as appropriated by the Michigan Legislature. Private dam owners, along with federal, state, and local government owners, are eligible to apply. Funding is available statewide and restricted to projects that reduce or eliminate risk associated with dams.

Eligible activities include planning, feasibility studies, or design improvements that would reduce risks, along with repairs, alterations, or removal of dams, including post-project monitoring and corrective actions. Pre-applications will be screened, and priority projects will be invited to submit full grant applications.

Total grant awards for 2024-25 will depend on the number and quality of applications received. More information on the program and pre-application process is available on EGLE's Dam Safety webpage.

Are you an adult learner who is looking to expand your knowledge and skill sets? Do you have an interest in welding, fabrication, or trades? The Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway may be for you, and they have openings for their upcoming cohort!

This school is operated by a talented team and does an exceptional job with students who want to expand their skills. The institute teaches invaluable fabrication skills that are in dire need in our region. If you have any interest in a rewarding and profitable career, this would be an excellent opportunity to consider!

One of my favorite seasons to spend in district is the fall season, and the local Halloween events throughout our communities are truly special. There are always so many creative costumes, smiling kids, and happy families — it is a great reminder of just how special our communities are here in Northern Michigan. I am incredibly thankful for events like these for area families.

I enjoyed participating in several traditions throughout the 37th District this year.

Thank you to the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak at your Annual Fall Economic Luncheon. There are so many great things to talk about when it comes to opportunities in the Eastern Upper Peninsula — our residents should be filled with hope and excitement!

This region has endless opportunities — from the Soo Locks to the vast array of partnerships within groups such as the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Lake Superior State University, our numerous innovative companies, and many others. These partnerships could help make the Eastern U.P. a hub for national security, space exploration, advanced manufacturing, and more!

Together, we can create a healthy year-round economy that gives our kids options to build a life in this beautiful place we call home.

Thank you to the entire FishPass team for hosting me last month for a tour and to discuss the ongoing construction of the FishPass dam. I was so proud to champion this exciting project and secure state funding to make this critical piece of infrastructure a reality.

Not only is this project transformative for downtown Traverse City, it is going to make a huge impact on stopping the spread of invasive species in our Great Lakes, such as the sea lamprey. And even more, this project further cements Northern Michigan as the center for worldwide research surrounding fresh water.

Michigan’s 37th Senate District includes Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Leelanau counties and portions of Mackinac and Chippewa counties.