December 30, 2011--

It has been quite a year at the state Capitol and I'm extremely proud of all that has been accomplished to get Michigan back on track. When session started in January, it was clear that things needed to change in Lansing. Our state was in financial trouble and significant reforms and spending cuts were crucial to revitalize Michigan. It was definitely an uphill battle, but with much hard work and determination, we were able to put an end to reckless spending and short-term budgetary band-aids. Our long-term plan that created a more lean and efficient state government was created and more than $1 billion in spending we could not afford was eliminated.

It is essential that everyone, including legislators, do their part to get our state back on track. I shared in the sacrifice by taking a pay cut, voting to eliminate my own retirement health care benefits and reducing my office budget. I also voted for a plan that requires all public employees, including lawmakers, to pay more toward health care benefits. As a result of these efforts, a structurally sound state budget was completed four months ahead of schedule, which hadn't been done since 1981. For the first time in decades, we were able to pay down on our debt instead of adding to it.

Job creation remains a top priority for me as well and I kept this in mind when I voted to overhaul our complicated tax code, replacing the job-killing Michigan Business Tax with  a simpler, predictable tax code which encourages businesses to do business in Michigan instead of looking for better opportunities elsewhere. The new tax code goes into effect in January and ends the days of double-taxation on small businesses that created an uphill battle for businesses in our state.

Getting Michigan back on track means finding ways to become more efficient and find ways to help local governments do so as well. This year, I worked on legislation that removes roadblocks that are currently standing in the way of local governments looking to consolidate resources and work together. Under this legislation, which updates the Urban Cooperation Act, local governments will now be able to consolidate overhead, services, and personnel if they choose to do so. Signed into law by Gov. Snyder last month, these reforms aid municipalities that would benefit from the potential cost-savings of combined government services, including emergency services. I'm pleased to have been able to provide this option for local governments.

Agricultural processing was another focus of mine in 2011. There is significant opportunity to increase the level of agricultural processing in Michigan and I made it a priority to work on finding the barriers that are keeping this industry from expanding. Earlier this year, I led a subcommittee on agricultural processing, which developed a report on how to encourage additional agricultural processing and remove roadblocks. I also began a workgroup to develop solutions to the issues we found. There is significant opportunity for expanded agricultural processing in Michigan and I will continue working to find solutions as next year begins.

In addition, I have been working on legislation that will update Michigan's food laws. This bill will bring Michigan up to date with federal rules while making additional safety provisions to protect state residents. My bill also requires establishments accepting food assistance programs to follow food laws- addressing the recent abuse of Bridge Cards. This provision will make sure food assistance is used for what it is designed for- purchasing nourishing foods including fruits and vegetables. Moving this legislation is my number one priority as 2012 begins.

I'm extremely proud of all we have accomplished this year and look forward to continuing fast-paced efforts to get Michigan back on track as we ring in 2012. Happy New Year!

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If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via e-mail at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .