UP Gazette

State Representative Karl Bohnak has expressed significant concerns regarding foreign influence in Michigan. His comments follow a report by Bridge Michigan, which revealed that the Singaporean government owns 5% of the Upper Peninsula's land, primarily used for timber harvesting.

“It’s deeply concerning that so much of our U.P. land is owned by a foreign nation,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “Singapore has no tie to the U.P. The owners of this land aren’t investing in our local schools or serving on local boards. They aren’t putting the money they’re making off our land back into our communities. No foreign government should be able to swoop in with handfuls of cash and steal property and opportunity from local investors. Every bit of U.P. land that isn’t locally owned is a lost chance for more homegrown jobs and businesses.”

Bohnak previously supported legislation aimed at addressing foreign influences within Michigan. This legislative package, currently stalled in the state Senate, seeks to prevent foreign adversaries from purchasing Michigan farmland and properties near military bases and critical infrastructure. Additionally, it aims to bar foreign adversaries from gathering sensitive information through apps based abroad, entering agreements with public bodies such as schools or universities, and mandates that critical health care technology be maintained within the U.S. or Canada.

“We can’t allow foreign governments to threaten our sovereignty and national security,” Bohnak said. “I’m proud to support efforts that would limit foreign influences so we can protect ourselves from all foreign threats. When countries own large swaths of our land, they take away opportunities from U.P. companies.”