The State of Our Union

The State of Our Union

On Tuesday, President Trump addressed our nation at the State of the Union. Under his leadership, we have made unprecedented progress over the past year, including by increasing take-home pay, offering historic tax relief, and unleashing domestic energy production to alleviate the pain at the pump and allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. I remain committed to continuing my work with the President and his administration to grow our economy, reduce costs for hardworking Michiganders, and usher in a new golden age in America.

Empowering Michigan Farmers

This week, I was honored to have Doug Darling accompany me to the State of the Union. Doug is a 6th-generation row crop farmer from Maybee and was the former director at large of the Michigan Farm Bureau. Doug embodies what it means to be a hardworking American and plays an invaluable role in feeding our families and sustaining our local economy. Last year, the historic Working Families Tax Cuts were signed into law, delivering vital relief to our nation's hardworking farmers. By cutting taxes for farmers by over $10 billion, protecting family farms from the death tax, and providing stronger risk management tools, we have provided certainty to farmers, like Doug, to ensure that they can keep producing the world’s safest and most abundant food supply.

Honoring Our Michigan Olympians

As the Winter 2026 Olympics come to a close, we celebrate the Michiganders who represented our great state and our country with distinction. Their grit, determination, and hard work while competing on the world stage truly embody the values we all hold dear. I was proud to join the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation in introducing a resolution to honor them. We are incredibly proud of them and especially want to recognize those on the men's and women's hockey teams for bringing home the gold! It was truly a remarkable moment honoring the men's team at the State of the Union this week!

Supporting Our Students

I recently stopped by Chesterton Academy of St. George in Jackson. Seeing the commitment of students, families, and staff made me understand exactly why the Chesterton Schools Network was recently named the winner of the 2025 Yass Prize for its innovative approach to education. As Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I understand how the quality of our children’s education directly impacts how we as a state and country will prosper at home and compete globally. I am proud to see our own Chesterton Academy developing promising youth that will one day go on to lead the nation. 

Reminder: Congressional Art Competition

My office is still seeking submissions from high school students in the 5th Congressional District for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. In recognition of our nation's Semiquincentennial, this year's theme will be "America 250." The winning piece of artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol, along with the winners from the other congressional districts across the country.  If you are interested in submitting your artwork, please do so no later than midnight on Saturday, March 28, 2026. 

For all the details regarding the Congressional Art Competition guidelines, please click here. For answers to additional questions, please call my Jackson District Office at 517-780-9075. I look forward to seeing the creativity displayed by students in this year's competition and wish all those who plan on participating the best of luck!