The Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security is urging the governor, Democrat leadership, and officials within the University of Michigan to investigate the events that led to several international students from China being found photographing military equipment at Camp Grayling.

“School districts across Michigan, including those in our West Michigan communities, will still lose millions of dollars in critical funding under the plan they put forth today. School resource officers and counselors will be laid off, despite the vital role they play in the lives of students and the overall safety of our classrooms, putting kids at greater risk for harm.”

“For years, Republicans prioritized paying down pension liabilities and putting Michigan on the path to stability. It is incredibly disheartening to watch it unravel. Interrupting scheduled debt payments to pay for other spending measures is a sign that spending has gotten out of hand and government has gotten too big. It’s flat out irresponsible to gamble with the retirement plans of our hardworking teachers.”

“It was an honor to welcome Fruitport Public Safety Director Brian Michelli to attend today’s memorial ceremony,” Meerman said. “We can never say enough to thank our public safety officers and first responders who keep us safe every day. The week of September 11 is a fitting time for this ceremony, as we continue to remember and honor the heroes who responded to the tragic terrorist attacks in 2001.”

“The Supreme Court has emboldened rulemaking agencies to issue permits to effectuate policy instead of abiding by the public rulemaking process. It is a sad day when a win is handed to regulators over the everyday men and women who grow and raise our food. The court’s ruling in favor of EGLE is an outrageous blow to Michigan agriculture and the precedent set here encourages bureaucratic bloat. The scheme will hurt farmers that are looking for clear guidance on agriculture permits.”

“Activist justices on the Michigan Supreme Court have crossed the line and are legislating from the bench,” Meerman said. “Today’s ruling will have massive consequences on small businesses in West Michigan that will result in layoffs and could lead to the closure of small family-owned businesses.”

August office hours will take place on Friday the 23rd in Allendale and Ravenna. Click for times and locations.

Rep. Meerman today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for adopting security measures within the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes policies, programs and spending for the Department of Defense.

House Bills 5571-76 make extensive changes to the petition process used for certain elections in Michigan, including nomination petitions, ballot proposals, constitutional, and initiative petitions.

“Give the democrats a gavel and they will pull out every stop to cater to their union friends and stakeholders,” Meerman said. “From union symbols and links to websites on petitions, it’s a bold way of informing the people who writes their laws and the Legislature should not further relinquish its lawmaking authority.”

State Rep. Luke Meerman voted against legislation passed by House Democrats today to divert resources that were intended to pay down teacher retirement debt, a move that could jeopardize Michigan’s state finances.
House Bill 5803 would reduce contributions to the health care system for retired school employees, instead of allowing health care savings to go toward paying down pension debt. The overall retirement system still owes more than $30 billion in unfunded liabilities.

Fruitport: 9 -10 a.m. on Friday, July 12 at the Fruitport Village Diner

Coopersville: 9-10 a.m. on Monday, July 22 at the Delly Belly Bakery

Rep. Meerman has voted against Democrat legislation that would strip away verification and validity measures that were specifically enacted to prevent fraud. Meerman said it’s a mistake to tamper with current laws that establish clear checks and balances that give the people of Michigan faith in the trustworthiness of poll workers, clerks and election results.