Dear neighbor,

Below, you will find legislative updates from the state Capitol that are important to the residents of western Oakland County. You also will find important updates and communications on my website: SenatorJimRunestad.com.

Serving you,

Senator Jim Runestad
23rd State Senate District

Democrat leadership restricted questioning that would further expose crimes and misconduct perpetrated by illegal immigrants in our country during a recent hearing on anti-ICE bills in the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee.

Senate Bills 508, 509 and 510 are a disaster and expose ICE agents to harm and gravely restrict their ability to enforce immigration laws.

It’s time we shut these bills down and allow ICE agents to lawfully deport violent illegal immigrants.

I recently introduced legislation to prohibit illegal immigrants from sending money out of the United States through foreign remittance transfers.

Banning illegal immigrants from sending money overseas would strengthen the rule of law and help protect our domestic economy. Restricting the transfer of dollars also removes the financial incentive for illegal immigration and reinforces legal entry.

Our economy relies on local spending that supports our communities and the future of our country. These are billions of dollars not being circulated, which compounds the value of those dollars, and instead being sent abroad to support the economies of other countries. It’s time we put America first.

It’s common sense, something our Democratic friends across the aisle lack in abundance. We need to pass these bills and support the American economy instead of providing financial aid for the rest of the world.

Click here or on the image below to view my speech in support of this legislation on the Senate floor.

The Chime Scholars Foundation recently announced the opening of applications for the 2026–27 academic year, offering scholarships of up to $20,000 to students of all backgrounds pursuing college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical or workforce certifications.

Applications are open through March 31. Click here to read more.

If you are cold, chances are your animals are cold too. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued guidance in late January encouraging pet owners to keep animals safe during cold temperatures.

While we have finally seen a small break in the frigid winter temperatures, there is likely more to come. Please keep your animals safe and bring them indoors or provide proper shelters during freezing temperatures. Click here to read more.

The overwhelming proof of neglect and abuse, sometimes resulting in death, of Michigan residents in nursing homes has been hitting the headlines again this past week. Nearly three dozen people have died over the last four years due to abuse or neglect, and once again, I am the only one fighting for them.

WZZM noted that despite numerous troubling federal and state reports, my bill is the only one in the Legislature that directly addresses these failures.

I have repeatedly pursued legislation to right this unconscionable wrong, but our state’s vulnerable residents continue to be held hostage by politics.

I will continue to fight for our seniors who have been left behind by the governor and Lansing Democrats.

One of my key responsibilities as a lawmaker is listening to the people who chose me to be their voice in Lansing.

If there is something my office can help with, if you have a question about a state issue, or if you have policy questions or an idea on how to make Michigan stronger, please feel free to contact my office. My staff and I are available to help in any way we can.

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