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UP Gazette

Thursday, April 18, 2024

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  • Local Government

    Rep. Prestin: Dems will ban firearms the minute we stop paying attention

    State Rep. Dave Prestin of Cedar River is warning about the potential for Michigan Democrats to ban semi-automatic rifles. He raised concerns following statements made by State Senator Rosemary Bayer and Governor Gretchen Whitmer hinting at future firearm restrictions. Senator Bayer mentioned on a TV show that a ban on lawfully owned firearms could be on the horizon, stating, “never say never” and “we got the first round of stuff through, we’re not gonna stop.” She also indicated that such legislation might not move forward during an election year, leaving the door open for...

  • Local Government

    State Rep. Prestin Proposes Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for First Responders and Corrections Officers

    State Rep. Dave Prestin, alongside State Reps. Kathy Schmaltz and Tyrone Carter, has put forth a legislative proposal aiming to provide EMS personnel, firefighters, law enforcement, and corrections officers with complimentary hunting and fishing licenses. The initiative comes in response to the critical staffing shortages faced by these professions."These bills are a part of a series of incremental improvements to make these jobs more desirable. These bills are an important step toward reversing staffing shortages," Prestin expressed. "I know that many EMS personnel,...

  • Local Government

    Reps. Prestin, Markkanen Encourage Public Input on New Wind, Solar Siting Laws

    State Reps. Greg Markkanen and Dave Prestin have urged the public to participate in upcoming opportunities to provide input on new state laws regarding wind and solar project siting. The legislation in question removes local control over large-scale projects, a move that has sparked controversy and opposition from the representatives.Prestin, who voted against the plan, expressed his concerns over the new law's implications, stating, "The forced solar and wind siting bills added insult to injury, giving power to Lansing bureaucrats to determine if these projects go up in...

  • Local Government

    Gov. Whitmer Repeals Tom Casperson Bills

    Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has repealed laws passed by the late Sen. Tom Casperson, which created the Environmental Rules Review Committee. The committee, composed of individuals from various sectors, was tasked with reviewing environmental regulations before implementation. Sen. Ed McBroom, who worked for Tom, expressed that the purpose of the bills was to ensure the department listened to the voices of the public and those affected by the regulations.According to McBroom, the committee was created in response to frustrations caused by ineffective and non-scientific rules...

  • Local Government

    Rep. Greene and Education Committee Members Push for School Safety Plan Hearing Amid Democratic Opposition

    State Rep. Jaime Greene expressed disappointment over the delay in addressing school safety issues due to partisan gamesmanship. Greene, the Republican Vice Chair of the House Education Committee, sent a letter this week seeking support from Democrats on the committee to hold a hearing on legislation aimed at enhancing school safety and mental health support for Michigan students. The proposed bills stem from the recommendations of a bipartisan school safety task force formed after the tragic shooting at Oxford High School.Greene highlighted the urgency of the situation,...

  • Local Government

    Opinion: Eliminating citizen oversight panels undermines transparency

    Rep. David Martin and Rep. David Prestin, both Republican lawmakers, have voiced their concerns over recent legislative efforts that seek to eliminate crucial citizen oversight boards in Michigan. These boards were established in 2018 to provide a check on bureaucratic power within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (DEGLE).The Environmental Rules Review Committee, the Environmental Permit Review Commission, and the Environmental Science Advisory Board were created to ensure that regulations take into account the needs and concerns of residents and...

  • Local Government

    Rep. Prestin: Democrat leadership is a tale of two caucuses

    State Representative Dave Prestin, a Republican from Cedar River, expressed his frustration with House Democrats after two votes failed on the House floor. The House, with an even split of 54 Democrats and 54 Republicans, has been unable to pass legislation due to the Democrats' refusal to negotiate with Republicans.According to Rep. Prestin, the Democrat Caucus is divided into two parties. On the House floor, they complain about the lack of bipartisanship, but behind the scenes, they are pushing through their radical agenda without any consideration for Republican input....

  • Local Government

    Rep. Greene Urges Action on Bipartisan School Safety Legislation

    State Representative Jaime Greene, Republican vice chair of the House Education Committee, is calling on Democrat leaders in the House to prioritize the comprehensive bipartisan school safety plan that was introduced a year ago. The legislation, which aims to implement the recommendations of a legislative task force formed after the Oxford school tragedy, has yet to receive a hearing or a vote."School safety is a priority for every single parent who has a child in our schools," said Greene. "Why isn't the House Education Committee making this a priority? These bills...

  • Local Government

    Rep. Prestin Urges Army Corps to Expedite Line 5 Permitting

    State Representative Dave Prestin and a group of 34 state legislators have sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers, urging them to expedite their review of the Enbridge Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel Project (GTLP). The Corps is currently conducting an environmental impact study of the project, with an estimated completion date of 2026.In the letter, Rep. Prestin emphasized the importance of the tunnel project in safeguarding the Great Lakes while ensuring a continuous supply of energy to residents in Upper and Lower Michigan. He stated, "A tunnel beneath the Straits of...

  • Local Government

    Plan to support EMTs, paramedics passes House

    State Rep. Dave Prestin’s plan to extend temporary licenses for EMTs or paramedics from 120 days to 1 year has successfully passed the House with bipartisan support. The legislation, known as HBs 4613 and 4614, is the second plan to pass the Michigan House this year. With the House being evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, the bipartisan support for this plan highlights the importance of addressing the critical staffing shortages faced by EMTs and paramedics.In a statement, Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, expressed his gratitude for the bipartisan support...

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