Dear Neighbors,

Welcome to this month’s edition of my e-newsletter. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the tough issues that will help lower the cost of living, help families get ahead, and build a brighter future for all who call Michigan home.

As always, I welcome your feedback on current issues facing Michigan or the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights, and Utica communities. Constituent feedback is vital as I represent our communities in Lansing. If you are experiencing a problem with one of our state government agencies, my office is always available to assist with finding a solution. I respect your opinion and will always do my best to make myself available and accessible to you.

Please take a moment to visit my website, like my official Facebook page, send me an email or call my office at 517-373-0994. If you have any questions, concerns or opinions on what is happening, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Michael Webber
State Senator
9th District

I applaud the launch of the Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to attract, retain, and grow investments into the state’s defense and aerospace industry.

Michigan has a proud legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy, and this new office will ensure our state continues to be a national leader in this critical mission. I commend our legislative, administration, and MEDC leadership for their shared vision and dedication in charging forward to grow our state’s aerospace and defense industry. I am proud to serve as the co-chair of the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus.

Over the past four years, aerospace and defense employment has grown more than 14% in Michigan – first among Great Lakes states. Michigan ranked second in the nation with $722 million in defense grant spending and 19th in the nation with $303.6 million in U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) research and development-related spending in fiscal year 2022.

ODAI will replace the MEDC’s Michigan Defense Center and work to increase awareness of the capabilities of Michigan’s defense and aerospace assets, including the Detroit Arsenal, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and Camp Grayling. Additionally, it will help to attract and expand Michigan-based businesses that support DOD-related activities.

U.S. Marine Corps Ret. Col. John Gutierrez will serve as ODAI’s first executive director. He began his military career in 1990 and has more than 30 years of experience in acquisition, operational, and joint assignment. Col. Gutierrez most recently served as the portfolio manager for Logistics Combat Element Systems, U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command. He holds multiple personal, unit, campaign, and foreign awards, is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, and holds the highest-level certifications in program management and contracting.

The 9th Senate District is a part of the Defense Corridor in Macomb County.

I was among a small group of legislators to be recognized by the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) for my work to reduce tax burdens on small businesses, support for the redevelopment of brownfield sites, and opposition to measures that stifle relationships between businesses and employees.

Michigan’s small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. Everything we do in Lansing to support the growth of small businesses has a positive impact on the economic development of our state and the prosperity of all Michiganders.

SBAM recognizes lawmakers with a 100% voting record on the matters most important to small business owners, including:

I recently toured Magna International’s manufacturing facility in Sterling Heights. Magna is the largest auto parts manufacturer in North America by sales of original equipment parts. They have several facilities in Rochester Hills, Troy, and Sterling Heights, including the Magna Powertrain facility that I visited.

As a Tier 1 automotive supplier, Magna helps support the largest industry in Michigan. I learned about the business they do in our community and how they support thousands of jobs and careers in Michigan. At the Sterling Heights facility, they manufacture transmission and drivetrain systems for Michigan’s automakers. I am proud to have such a successful business call our community home.

The Michigan Senate adopted Senate Resolution 109, which I co-sponsored, declaring April 2024 as Autism Acceptance Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Autism Acceptance Day is observed on the second Tuesday of April each year. As the co-chair of the Michigan Legislative Autism Advocates Caucus, I was proud to join the Michigan Senate in recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month and acknowledging the contributions individuals who are on the autism spectrum make to our society.

There is no place like Michigan in the summer, and I hope you can take advantage of all you can do in our great state. From statewide events like Tulip Time to ArtPrize to local ones, such as Sterlingfest to Troy Family Daze, please use the 2024 Summer Fun Guide to help plan your next adventure!

In the coming weeks, my office will be receiving copies of the 2024 Pure Michigan Spring/Summer Travel Guide. This booklet highlights stunning sights to see and exciting places to visit across our state. Please contact my office if you would like a hard copy mailed out to you.

No appointment is necessary to attend. The 9th Senate District includes the cities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, and Utica, along with parts of Oakland Township, Shelby Township and Sterling Heights.