Reps. Harris, Kunse Criticize Democrats for Downplaying Failures of Unemployment Insurance Agency
State Reps. Mike Harris and Tom Kunse have strongly criticized committee Democrats for attempting to downplay the failures of the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) in handling billions of dollars in fraudulent payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawmakers participated in a joint committee hearing to review a damning audit report that uncovered multiple critical deficiencies.The December 2023 report by Michigan’s nonpartisan Office of the Auditor General revealed significant shortcomings within the UIA, including issuing $245.1 million to likely ineligible...
Reps. Kunse, Harris Set to Probe Unemployment Failures During Thursday Hearing
State Reps. Tom Kunse and Mike Harris are gearing up to delve into the failures of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency during a joint House hearing on Thursday. The inquiry follows the unveiling of troubling revelations from a December 2023 audit by the Michigan Office of the Auditor General.Representative Kunse expressed skepticism towards the UIA leadership, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of the billions of dollars in fraudulent payments uncovered. Kunse remarked, “Pigs must be flying somewhere because the House Oversight Committee is about to...
8 American Indian students enrolled in Gladwin County schools in 2022-23 school year
There were eight American Indian students enrolled in Gladwin County schools in the 2022-23 school year, according to the Michigan Department of Education.
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Gotion Parent Company Hosted Iranian Officials
Congressman John Moolenaar voted for legislation condemning the Iranian regime for its unprecedented attack on Israel last weekend. The resolution passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support in a vote of 404 to 14.Regarding the connection between Iran and Gotion, Moolenaar expressed his concerns, stating, “Iran is the largest sponsor of terrorism in the world, an avowed enemy of the United States, and on April 13 it launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. For state and local officials to give Gotion millions of dollars, knowing Gotion will send its...
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Runestad Demands Justice in Lawsuit Alleging Unsolicited Lewd Images Sent by MSP Detective
LANSING, Mich. — Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Minority Vice Chair Jim Runestad has declared his intent to introduce legislation that will penalize individuals who send unsolicited sexually explicit content through text or electronic messages following a lawsuit against a Michigan State Police detective."Recent events have brought to light a disturbing breach of trust within our esteemed Michigan State Police force," expressed Runestad. "In the state of Michigan, it is not a crime to send unsolicited nude photos to others, but I will soon be...
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Runestad to host press conference demanding answers and transparency from MSP on a 2020 case against detective accused of sending nude photos
LANSING, Mich. — Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Minority Vice Chair Jim Runestad is set to host a press conference on Friday, March 15, to address a civil lawsuit involving a Michigan State Police detective accused of sending unsolicited nude photos.The lawsuit was filed by a Southeast Michigan woman against the detective who allegedly sent her inappropriate photos and videos after interviewing her following her husband's suicide in 2020. The woman, who remained silent out of fear of retaliation, is now seeking justice for the misconduct she...
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Runestad champions increased government transparency, calls for state FOIA ombudsman during Sunshine Week
LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jim Runestad introduced a series of bills during Sunshine Week aimed at enhancing government transparency and accountability in Michigan.Runestad, a Republican from White Lake, emphasized the importance of open government during Sunshine Week, stating, "I am happy to be able to announce this important legislation during Sunshine Week, which is observed March 11 through 16 this year and continues to put a spotlight on the importance of open government."He expressed his concern about government entities stalling FOIA requests and stressed the...
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House Passes Moolenaar Supported Bill to Stop Foreign Adversaries From Owning Social Media Apps
The House of Representatives recently passed a bill with strong bipartisan support aimed at preventing foreign adversaries from owning social media apps operating in the United States. Congressman John Moolenaar, a key figure in the passing of the legislation, emphasized the importance of the bill in protecting national security.Moolenaar, a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, expressed his concerns about the ownership of TikTok by the Chinese Communist Party, stating, "TikTok is owned by the Chinese Communist Party and we cannot allow the...
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OP-ED: Social Media Legislation Protects National Security
In a recent development, a crucial piece of legislation, H.R. 7521, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, has been making strides in Congress with bipartisan support. This legislation aims to safeguard national security by addressing the ownership and operation of social media apps, particularly TikTok, by foreign adversaries in the United States.According to Congressman Moolenaar, a key figure in the initiative, the legislation does not seek to ban TikTok outright but rather requires ByteDance, the parent company, to divest...
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Rep. Kunse: Small businesses are left behind under Democrat leadership
State Rep. Tom Kunse criticized Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's economic development strategies, stating that "No business owner decides to relocate to a state whose focus is on business-killing green energy and lining the pockets of union bosses." Kunse expressed concerns about the impact of Democrat leadership on small businesses in Michigan.Kunse also highlighted the repeal of right-to-work protections, aggressive anti-business union tactics, and energy mandates that threaten Michigan industry under the current leadership. He emphasized the importance of supporting hardworking...
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Rep. Kunse to host local office hours
State Rep. Tom Kunse, R-Clare, will soon host local office hours in Clare and Big Rapids. The meetings are scheduled to take place on Friday, March 29 at specific locations within the two cities.According to the announcement, "No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those who are unable to attend but would still like to share their thoughts with the representative may call his Lansing office at (517) 373-7317 or email [email protected]."Representative Kunse represents the 100th District, which includes Mecosta, Osceola, and parts of Lake, and Clare counties.
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Moolenaar: Biden’s Tax Hikes Will Hurt Michigan Families
Today, President Biden unveiled his federal budget proposal for 2025. His plan raises taxes, and the Associated Press admits it is “unlikely to pass the House and Senate to become law.” Biden’s budget spends $1.8 trillion more than the government is expected to take in in 2025.Congressman John Moolenaar, the only member from Michigan on the House Appropriations Committee, criticized Biden's budget, stating, "As Michigan families struggle to make ends meet, President Biden has unveiled a plan that would raise taxes and push American jobs overseas. Michiganders know Biden’s...
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Michigan Congressman Criticizes President Biden's Policies as State of the Union Speech Unfolds
Congressman John Moolenaar criticized President Biden's policies in response to the State of the Union speech, stating, "Michiganders are worse off today than when President Biden took office and tonight’s speech showed he is doubling down on the same failed policies that have raised the cost of living on Michigan families these past three years."Moolenaar continued, pointing out the impact of President Biden's economic decisions, saying, "President Biden’s massive spending and money printing caused record inflation and Michigan residents are paying higher prices for his...
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House Advances 2024 Appropriations Package
The House of Representatives has passed appropriations legislation for the federal government's 2024 fiscal year, with Congressman John Moolenaar voting in favor of the bill. In a statement, Moolenaar expressed his support for the legislation, highlighting the importance of reining in spending and prioritizing veterans' healthcare. He stated, "Under President Biden, out-of-control spending has become the norm, but today's appropriations bill serves as an important step to get America back on track."The appropriations package includes cuts to various federal agencies such...