What’s Next’ for Michigan? Abortions without parental consent and greater economic struggles
The Governor highlighted a long list of plans to accomplish in the fall during her ‘What’s Next’ speech last week Wednesday. Many of the topics she mentioned rank high on the Democratic Party’s list of priorities. One such plan was called the ‘Reproductive Health Act’ (RHA). Since Proposal 3 passed last year and the only law protecting unborn life has been repealed in 2023, it is unclear what the exact contents of the RHA will be. However, more likely than not, the RHA will remove: parental consent for minors seeking abortions, the 24-hour waiting period for an abortion, and building codes that require abortion facilities to be inspected for health and safety reasons. The Governor in her speech called abortion restrictions in Michigan “politically motivated” and “medically unnecessary”, but I think these limitations are absolutely necessary. Moreover, these measures aren’t in alignment with our state’s values. According to recent polling data, a majority of Michigan citizens support both parental consent laws and a 24-hour waiting period for abortions so that mothers can receive proper information about the procedure. And nearly everyone wants to see abortion facilities undergo the same health and safety inspections as hospitals do. Proposal 3 already instituted comprehensive access to abortion in our state, but these policies go far beyond the provisions in that amendment by walking back common-sense protections. The Governor also outlined a plan to fully transition Michigan to carbon-free energy production by 2035. This means electricity providers will be required to stop using coal and natural gas and only use a mixture of solar, wind, and hydroelectric in twelve years. And the Michigan Public Service Commission – a three-member board of unelected bureaucrats – will get to decide where these solar panels and wind turbines end up, removing some control from local communities. Such a drastic energy transition – which smacks of the Green New Deal – will mean significantly higher electricity costs for Michigan families and small businesses. Government mandates on energy transitions to happen within an unreasonably short amount of time will spell disaster for our state. This goes without mentioning that the solar panels and wind turbines are largely produced in China and India – two of the largest polluters in the world. What’s next for Michigan under present leadership? The lives of unborn babies become more vulnerable as common-sense legal protections are taken away. And families face higher utility bills as the costs of government-mandated renewable energy transitions are shifted from wealthy utility companies onto working people. Our state deserves better. I and my fellow Republicans are working hard to preserve life and make Michigan a better, more affordable place to live. |
House 9/11 Ceremony This Thursday, the House held its annual 9/11 ceremony. Representatives from across the state welcomed first responders and veterans from their districts as we remembered the terrible events on that day in 2001. I was blessed to welcome retired Army Colonel Greg Johnson from my district – a good friend of mine. I’m thankful for men like Greg who have sacrificed much to preserve the freedoms that all Americans enjoy daily. If you have the opportunity today, thank a veteran for their service. |
Food stamps for Bridge Card holders The high cost of groceries has us all penny-pinching lately. Thankfully, Double Up Food Bucks is offering help. For those who shop for groceries with a SNAP/Michigan Bridge Card, they can double their benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks for up to $10/day. The program is available at 240+ participating farmers markets and grocery stores across Michigan – including Cadillac, Chase, Fremont, and Grant. To find a grocer near you, go to DoubleUpFoodBucks.org. |