The following column was published by the Lapeer County Press on Saturday, January 10:

Happy New Year! In my last column, I highlighted things I have worked on and fought for in the Legislature over the past year for people across the 67th House District in portions of Lapeer, Genesee and Tuscola counties.

Now the calendar has turned to 2026, and I wanted to share a few priorities I will be working on going forward.

There are several elements of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act that the Michigan House is working to implement. This bill was signed into law last July and cuts taxes for workers and seniors, supports costs for childcare, and more. We are mirroring efforts to cut taxes here in Michigan with what’s being done at the federal level, and I voted for legislation last year that would lower the state income tax rate. Our push to lower tax burdens for hardworking people will continue in 2026.

One part of the One Big Beautiful Bill I am specifically interested in is new parameters for “opportunity zones” and how these new rules can help rural areas in Michigan and across the Thumb.

Opportunity zones help spur investment and job creation. Rural areas have seen a significantly smaller and disproportionate investment through these programs compared to more populated areas. Nearly 40% of census tracts are rural, but rural opportunity zones receive under 10% of total investment. This ultimately shortchanges workers and communities that we call home and doesn’t provide nearly enough “opportunity!”

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made changes that will bring more investors and job providers, including in critical areas like manufacturing, to rural areas in the years ahead. Our policies at the state level must reflect these changes through better local infrastructure, increased broadband capabilities for underserved areas, and initiatives that will diversify and grow our workforce.

I will continue to lead on rural health care issues, including for maternity funding. One priority for the House as we approached the end of the year was rolling back regulations to increase affordability and get more people access to services they need. An area that red tape impacts is health care, as costs can often be passed down to consumers and professionals in this vital field opt to continue their careers in other states where bureaucracy isn’t in the way.

I spearheaded a plan that allows our registered or licensed nurses in Michigan the flexibility to work across state lines and help advance their careers. Entering our state into the Nurse Licensure Compact also would allow nurses from other states to practice in Michigan, which would get more professionals and care to people who need it. This bill was passed overwhelmingly in the House last year, and I will continue to advocate for its progression.

As a state legislator, making sure tax money is being used appropriately and where it is intended is also a critical responsibility. Through my work on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue trying to direct hundreds of millions of dollars from the Tobacco Settlement toward addressing the health effects of smoking instead of pet projects and holes in other budgets. I am committed to respecting tax dollars that are made available to the state and ensuring they are spent on priorities an overwhelming majority of people share.

My office remains available to answer your calls, hear your concerns or help you navigate an issue you may be having with state government or a particular department or program. I hope you and your loved ones had a merry Christmas and happy holiday season, and I wish you a joyous new year.