Opinion Editorial
March 21, 2016
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.
March 15, 2016
By Tim Walberg and Mark Swanson
In today's all-too-often divisive political environment, the people of Michigan and across the country can be forgiven for their frustration.
But there is reason to take heart, because there are issues where the majority of Republicans and Democrats are committed to finding common ground. Among the most important is Medicare Advantage, which is why we – a member of Congress and a Medicare Advantage enrollee from Michigan – are happy to share the success of this healthcare program.
In today's all-too-often divisive political environment, the people of Michigan and across the country can be forgiven for their frustration.
But there is reason to take heart, because there are issues where the majority of Republicans and Democrats are committed to finding common ground. Among the most important is Medicare Advantage, which is why we – a member of Congress and a Medicare Advantage enrollee from Michigan – are happy to share the success of this healthcare program.
Issues:Health Care
February 29, 2016
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a time to raise awareness and recognize vital efforts to help today's students prepare for tomorrow's jobs.
Rapid advancements in science and technology continue to impact the economic landscape, the types of jobs available, and the skills necessary to do them.
Here in Jackson County, the Jackson Area Career Center and Jackson College are prime examples of effectively equipping the next generation to compete for the in-demand jobs of the modern economy.
Rapid advancements in science and technology continue to impact the economic landscape, the types of jobs available, and the skills necessary to do them.
Here in Jackson County, the Jackson Area Career Center and Jackson College are prime examples of effectively equipping the next generation to compete for the in-demand jobs of the modern economy.
Issues:Jobs and EconomyEducation
January 15, 2016
In recent years, we have witnessed the increasing pain and suffering inflicted by heroin and opioid addiction in communities in our districts and across the country. We, like many of our constituents, have seen firsthand how this tragic epidemic has affected our own friends and loved ones, and by sharing their stories we hope to put a face to the addiction crisis.
The statistics surrounding drug addiction and overdose are truly staggering.
Issues:Local Issues
January 4, 2016
With January right around the corner, people across Michigan will take time to reflect on the previous 12 months and look with hope towards the New Year.
As the representative for Michigan's 7th District, 2015 has been a busy and productive year working on your behalf.
This year we hosted 35 coffee hours and town hall meetings to listen to your priorities. Here in Jackson County, we held these public forums in places like the Jackson Area Career Center, Spring Arbor Cafe, Marino's Pizza in Blackman Township, the Grass Lake Whistlestop Park Depot, and more locations.
As the representative for Michigan's 7th District, 2015 has been a busy and productive year working on your behalf.
This year we hosted 35 coffee hours and town hall meetings to listen to your priorities. Here in Jackson County, we held these public forums in places like the Jackson Area Career Center, Spring Arbor Cafe, Marino's Pizza in Blackman Township, the Grass Lake Whistlestop Park Depot, and more locations.
Issues:Local Issues
December 21, 2015
For Michigan families, the days leading up to Christmas are time for buying last-minute gifts, spending time with our loved ones and celebrating the joy of the season.
For the Obama administration, with attention focused on the holidays, it is a prime opportunity to impose new regulations on Americans.
For the Obama administration, with attention focused on the holidays, it is a prime opportunity to impose new regulations on Americans.
Issues:Jobs and Economy
November 18, 2015
In going about our regular routines, we depend daily on our roads, bridges and public transportation to get us where we need to go. Our local businesses also depend on them to grow, create good-paying jobs and remain competitive.
While the deteriorating shape of our roads and bridges has been a hotly debated issue in Lansing, the federal government also must do its part to ensure states like Michigan can continue forward with funding and reforms for important projects.
While the deteriorating shape of our roads and bridges has been a hotly debated issue in Lansing, the federal government also must do its part to ensure states like Michigan can continue forward with funding and reforms for important projects.
Issues:Jobs and EconomyLocal Issues
November 11, 2015
Michigan is home to an estimated 680,000 veterans. In exchange for their selfless service to our country, we have an obligation to provide world-class care when they return home from the battlefield.
Sadly, far too many of our veterans are falling through the cracks as they start the next chapter of their lives. In fact, many who qualify for benefits don't know they're eligible or aren't taking advantage of them.
Sadly, far too many of our veterans are falling through the cracks as they start the next chapter of their lives. In fact, many who qualify for benefits don't know they're eligible or aren't taking advantage of them.
Issues:Veterans
October 19, 2015
As your representative, I always strive to be accessible and accountable to the people I have the honor of serving in Congress. Listening to your commonsense concerns and solutions helps me advocate more effectively for your priorities.
So far this year, I've held more than 30 coffee hours and town halls in every corner of the district.
Some of the areas of concern vary depending on the latest headlines, but there's one issue that I consistently hear about everywhere I go: jobs.
It's no secret why jobs and the economy are on the forefront of people's minds.
So far this year, I've held more than 30 coffee hours and town halls in every corner of the district.
Some of the areas of concern vary depending on the latest headlines, but there's one issue that I consistently hear about everywhere I go: jobs.
It's no secret why jobs and the economy are on the forefront of people's minds.
Issues:Jobs and Economy
August 7, 2015
Only in Washington can bureaucrats get away with spending money on nothing.
It's the very definition of government waste, and I'm fighting to stop it.
Currently, the federal government is racking up service fees to administer thousands of expired, empty grant accounts, costing taxpayers millions per year.
Bipartisan legislation I recently introduced with Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) would reform the grant management process to help put an end to this fiscal malpractice.