LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan House Republicans have rolled out a new policy agenda in their “Mission for Michigan”.
This November lawmakers in the state House of Representatives will be up for reelection. Republicans will have a shot at flipping enough seats to regain their majority in the House. Michigan’s Executive Branch and Senate will remain under the control of Democrats, but House Republicans are still preparing plans.
Representatives Bill Schuette, Bryan Posthumus, Ann Bollin, and Rep. Pat Outman held a conference today to discuss the policies they hope to make a priority.
“The Michigan Democrats, they’ve shown us their plan. They’ve shown their agenda to the state of Michigan, and it’s not good.” Schuette said. “We’ve formed this agenda, we’ve formed this Mission for Michigan by listening. Listening to voters from all across our state, by getting input from members of our caucus who represent all different areas of Michigan.”
The Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee’s “Mission for Michigan” is a 10-point plan:
- Make Michigan more affordable
- Prepare all kids for the future
- Demand accountable and effective government
- Build safer communities for stronger families
- Unleash affordable and reliable clean energy
- Attract high-paying careers for the future
- Strengthen and empower our communities
- Prioritize mental health, addiction, and healthcare access
- Grow our economy
- Secure Michigan’s future for all generations.
The mission outlines plans to improve public schools by reinstating funding that was cut from the safety and mental health budget this year, addressing the fentanyl crisis with an increase in funding for local law enforcement, and lowering utility costs for families by getting rid of green energy mandates that limit the use of natural gas.
Representative Outman explained their plans to roll back current green energy goals would allow the continued use of natural gas to keep utility costs down. He said he believes Democrats are making a mistake by putting all their eggs in the renewable energy basket, and that they intend to go about it in a responsible way that will ensure clean air and affordable, reliable energy.
“It is our positive vision for what will happen and what can be here in Michigan,” Posthumus said. “This is our commitment to building a state where families thrive. workers can get a job, find a job, and keep a job. Business owners can start a business and successfully run that business.”
Mentions of reproductive healthcare and abortion access were left off the Republicans plans. Representative Bollin explained that it’s an issue already settled by voters.
“The state of Michigan has already decided, by constitutional amendment,” Bollin said. “Our job now is to make sure that we are advancing maternal health. Making sure that women who find themselves in those difficult situations and families who find themselves in those difficult situations have the resources. It’s supporting the women and the men in these situations.”
The representatives said that if they take the majority in the house this fall they intend to work across the aisle to pass these policies they believe will help Michigan families thrive.
