Opinion Editorial

In Michigan, we have a long and rich tradition of manufacturing. Our state's hardworking men and women are second to none and our manufacturing industry is a leading driver of good-paying jobs and economic growth.

In recognition of National Manufacturing Day, I recently had the opportunity to speak with students about career and technical education and tour manufacturing facilities in the 7th District, including Lomar Machine and Tool Company in Horton.

On Monday, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, held a forum at Bedford High School to discuss the ongoing problem of heroin addiction in Monroe County and the nation.

Joining him were experts from around the county to shed light on various aspects of the issue and what potentially can be done to combat it.

The panel, which was hosted for Bedford High School seniors, highlighted an important part of what can be done to help — simply raising awareness of the heroin epidemic to both combat the current problem and stem further abuse of the drug.

Christopher Risner was a standout high school athlete with scholarship offers to play basketball in college. Then his life spiraled out of control.

At first, he started taking medication to cope with his depression, but it eventually led to opioid and heroin addiction. After several stints in and out of rehab, Christopher is now clean and in recovery.

By Rep. Tim Walberg and Rep. Mike Bishop

For too many Americans, an underperforming economy has diminished opportunities to pursue their dreams and leave behind a better future for the next generation.

Millions of men and women are struggling to find full-time, good paying jobs. Wages across the country remain stagnant. Working families face one challenge after another to get ahead. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to help.

Talk to nearly any small business owner or employee and they'll tell you how challenging it has become to grow and create jobs.

The combination of heavy-handed regulations, confusing paperwork requirements, and a complex and unfair tax code make it harder and harder to succeed.

The federal government should be asking small businesses how to help them thrive, not telling them how to run their companies.

In 2014, the number one cause of injury-related deaths in the entire state of Michigan was drug overdoses.

It's a tragic and fast-growing epidemic that touches every corner of our state and is tearing apart families and communities.

Here in Lenawee County, more than 200 people recently came together at Siena Heights University for the third Lenawee Addiction Summit to confront this public health crisis.

We've repeatedly heard the same campaign rhetoric for seven years, but President Obama finally submitted a plan to Congress in late February to close down Guantanamo Bay. The eight-page proposal, however, lacked specificity on several critical items, including how much it would cost to implement and where in the United States the remaining prisoners would be transferred-pretty significant details to leave out.