Bipartisan legislation to guarantee lower auto insurance rates was recently signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Key components of the plan include:

• Requiring auto insurers to provide customers with a range of personal injury protection (PIP) options, including the ability to opt out of PIP coverage entirely if an individual has other qualified health coverage; a $50,000 policy for Medicaid enrollees; a $250,000 policy; a $500,000 policy; and an unlimited medical benefit policy;

• Reducing the annual Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association fee by 80% for all above options other than unlimited;

• Strengthening the insurance fraud division within the state Department of Insurance and Financial Services to empower law enforcement to crack down on auto insurance fraud;

• Ending excessive health care costs related to auto insurance claims by implementing a fee schedule to cap the amount providers can charge insurers; and

• Eliminating nondriving rating factors, such as sex or marital status, to ensure a level playing field.

The debate on how to reduce auto insurance rates has been ongoing for decades. I’m glad we were able to work together and finally get some meaningful reforms approved for Michigan drivers. Too many families have been burdened by auto no-fault and it’s time they have a say in the matter.

Legislation that I sponsored establishing a special recognition license plate honoring Blue Star Families was approved by the Senate Committee on Families, Seniors and Veterans on Wednesday, May 22.

Military families across the nation have made sacrifices that most of us cannot even imagine to preserve our liberties. Blue Star Families has over 150,000 members who assist military families who have suffered a loss; work with organizations to provide scholarships to military spouses and veterans; and participate in countless other volunteer efforts.

Senate Bill 118 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the secretary of state to develop and issue a special recognition license plate recognizing Blue Star Families. Under the bill, residents who are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces — or members of their immediate family — would be able to apply for the special recognition plate. The plate would include a Blue Star Families insignia and the words “Blue Star Family” under the registration numbers. With committee approval, SB 118 will now move to the Senate floor for consideration.

The Senate recently approved a balanced budget plan that features increased funding for schools and roads to record levels without raising taxes. Our budget recommendations also prioritize public safety and fiscal responsibility. Some of the budget highlights include:

• $132 million to fully implement the 2015 road fund package a year early. The investment targets local roads entirely.
• $15.2 billion in state funding for education. Schools will see the largest foundation allowance increase in over 18 years.
• $120 million in new revenue for clean water programs to monitor and analyze water quality throughout the state.
• $13.9 million to train and graduate 85 new state troopers.
• $50 million to add to the state’s rainy day fund or savings account.

I am pleased to support a state budget that provides the important services our people use every day while ensuring the state lives within its means. The Michigan Senate, House of Representatives and governor’s office will iron out differences in their plans and produce a final state budget. I will keep you posted on the progress.

The Senate 2019-2020 Budget communicates strongly to the administration that the Legislature stands behind the commitment that was made in 2017 to fund a new state psychiatric hospital in Caro. We are still in the beginning stages of the budget process, but this puts us on the right path moving forward. I am going to continue to work as hard as I can with Rep. Green and my Senate colleagues to make sure the governor understands how important this hospital is to the employees, patients, community and the state.

We already have a major psychiatric bed shortage in Michigan. I urge the governor to resume this project, so we aren’t further delaying access to critical mental health services. As I continue to fight in Lansing for the Caro Center, I could use your help. My office has set up a survey here, which allows residents to voice their personal concerns about the administration’s plans for the hospital. I encourage you to take the survey and I will make sure the governor hears what you have to say!

I was honored to welcome World War II veteran Ernest E. Rabineau to the Capitol for the Michigan Senate’s 25th Annual Memorial Day Service on Thursday, May 23.

Rabineau is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served as a technical sergeant with the 301st Regiment, 94th Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, among others. He turned 94 on Feb. 21 of this year.

Michigan’s Summer Free Fishing Weekend is right around the corner! All fishing license fees are waived for two days on June 8 and 9. Anglers can fish on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply.

A Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and recreation areas during Free Fishing Weekend. This special weekend is also a Free ORV Weekend. Find more information, including state park events, at www.michigan.gov/freefishing.

Technical Sgt. Ernie Rabineau meets Sgt. Major Ken Rice (seated) during the Senate’s Memorial Day service.

Rabineau survived the Battle of the Bulge and Rice, the Bataan Death March.

The two veterans were guests of Sens. Daley and Horn.

It was a pleasure addressing the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at their annual legislative lunch. I was able to share my legislative priorities as well as take questions from the audience with fellow legislators Rep. Brian Elder and Rep. Annette Glenn.

My District Director Matthew Bierlein welcomed six women to the capital from LEAD Tuscola. LEAD Tuscola is a 10-month program that helps introduce Tuscola County residents to programs and opportunities for local leadership. During monthly sessions, participants gain knowledge of Tuscola County history, local government and Tuscola County’s educational opportunities.