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

Another tax season is upon us. I know firsthand how frustrating and complex it can be. I wanted to offer a helpful guide that will hopefully help take the edge off this troublesome process. I oppose Michigan’s state income tax and would love nothing more to eliminate the need to file. Until we are able to achieve change in Michigan’s tax law, I will provide resources to help with the filing process.

Please take a moment and visit my website to see the latest tax guide, and as always, if you have any issues with your tax return this year, contact my office right away!

The failed policies of President Joe Biden have allowed the free flow of illegal immigrants, deadly drugs, and known and suspected terrorists into our country.

I sponsored legislation to help shield Michigan from these issues by taking robust and decisive action against the chaos at the southern border.

The Stronger Borders, Safer Communities plan seeks to curb the rise in fentanyl-related crimes and deaths and includes increasing penalties for the production, delivery, or possession of fentanyl. The plan also calls on the president and Congress to put Americans first and immediately and fully resolve the ongoing border crisis.

My bill in the package, which the Democrat majority in the Senate refused to consider, would require every Michigan community to enforce federal immigration laws and end the practice of local governments declaring themselves “sanctuary cities.”

Democrats failed to take action on these measures when given the opportunity on the Senate floor. I joined my colleagues in calling on the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety chair, Sen. Stephanie Chang, to take up the Stronger Borders Safer Communities package and get the legislation to a vote in the Senate.

The border crisis is raging, and Michiganders are beginning to feel the effects. The governor is now calling on residents to help with housing, and her agencies are offering monthly payments to those who have fled to Michigan.

We must do more to shield Michigan from President Biden’s border crisis. We don’t have time to continue stalling. We need quick, decisive action that prioritizes Michigan families.

Democrats in Lansing have unveiled new economic incentives that mirror the same failed economic policies disguised under a new fancy name.

Michigan already has a laundry list of grant and economic programs that failed to reach the desired results. While Democrats claim to oppose this type of corporate welfare, they have introduced yet another new scheme with a catchy name that does exactly what they claim to hate: giving away taxpayer dollars to massive, for-profit companies.

Instead of eliminating burdensome regulations and tax burdens on businesses and working Michiganders, Democratic leadership is working on a revamped version of the same failed taxpayer-funded programs. These programs have failed to create the jobs they promised, offer the wages and salaries that were “guaranteed,” and bring jobs and workers to our state.

These programs have routinely fallen short of the grandiose promises from companies and supporters. It’s time we ended this negligent use of taxpayer money and instead focused on eliminating regulatory barriers and tax burdens that have forced people and businesses out of this state.

I voted no on this new wave of corporate welfare and will continue fighting against such irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Office hours are a great opportunity to speak with residents about issues that are important to them, our community, and our state. My office recently scheduled the latest installment of my office hours meetings on Monday, May 6 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Refuge Coffee House in Quincy.

I’d like to remind residents that I also have an office hour meeting scheduled for this coming Monday, April 1 from 4 – 6 p.m. in Niles at Michiana Christian Embassy.

I will be available to answer questions and provide information and assistance, as well as take suggestions on issues affecting families, businesses, and communities in the district. No appointment is necessary for either meeting.

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.