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Opinion Editorial

April 8, 2016
Opinion Editorial
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.
Issues:Health CareLocal Issues

March 30, 2016
Opinion Editorial

April Demers is no stranger to addiction — she was born into it.

At a young age, April slept in the car while her mom drank at the bar. As she grew up, April's mom would disappear for days, leaving her to fend for herself.

These experiences made April determined to reverse the trends of addiction.

"I was dead-set that it was going to stop with my generation. It's about choice. And my choice was how can I not be that?" April told the Monroe News.

Issues:Local Issues

March 21, 2016
Opinion Editorial
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.
Issues:Foreign AffairsDefense and National Security

March 15, 2016
Opinion Editorial
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.
Issues:Health Care

February 29, 2016
Opinion Editorial
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.
Issues:Jobs and EconomyEducation

January 15, 2016
Opinion Editorial

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
Opinion Editorial
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.
Issues:Local Issues

December 21, 2015
Opinion Editorial
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.
Issues:Jobs and Economy

November 18, 2015
Opinion Editorial
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.
Issues:Jobs and EconomyLocal Issues

November 11, 2015
Opinion Editorial
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.
Issues:Veterans