State Senator Jim Runestad (mi)
Recent News About State Senator Jim Runestad (mi)
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Sen. Runestad shoots back at MEDC’s weak response to negligence and fraud allegations
LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jim Runestad has expressed dissatisfaction with the response provided by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin Messer regarding allegations of negligence and fraud. Runestad criticized the generic nature of the response, stating, "Rather than taking the time to research answers to my direct questions, Mr. Messer and MEDC opted to write a generic letter that highlighted the importance of MEDC’s role as a fiduciary but did nothing to speak on how Ms. Beydoun was allowed to frivolously spend taxpayer dollars under MEDC’s watch...
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National Tax Freedom Day: Runestad calls on Democrats to stop raising taxes
LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jim Runestad paid tribute to National Tax Freedom Day on Thursday by calling on Michigan Democrats to stop raising taxes on hardworking Michiganders."Today is a day when we should be celebrating tax relief to help Michiganders keep more of their own money," said Runestad, R-White Lake. Since taking control of the Legislature in January 2023, Michigan Democrats have raised the state’s income tax, voted against tax relief for seniors and working families, and voted to raise taxes or fees over 20 times. Runestad expressed his concern by stating,...
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Runestad Detroit News op-ed: Michigan needs commonsense utility rate increases
Senator Jim Runestad of Michigan's 23rd District recently penned an op-ed in The Detroit News, highlighting the need for commonsense utility rate increases in the state. Runestad's article, published on April 10, 2024, addressed concerns regarding the Michigan Public Service Commission's approval of a significant rate hike for DTE Energy.The op-ed criticized the decision to grant DTE Energy a $368 million rate increase, which was not based on actual costs but on projected future expenses. Runestad pointed out that while DTE claimed a need for higher rates, their actual...
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Runestad looks to rein in rising utility costs with new bill
LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jim Runestad has taken a stand against the rising utility costs in Michigan by introducing legislation aimed at curbing rate hikes through a new bill.Runestad's bill focuses on ensuring that utility companies adhere to actual cost data, rather than future projections, when seeking approval for rate increases from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The senator highlighted the current imbalance in the system, stating, “Under Michigan’s unfair system, the customer is always the loser — always paying more while these companies rake in...
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Sen. Runestad Demands Answers from MEDC Over $20M Grant to Executive Committee Member
State Sen. Jim Runestad has demanded transparency and accountability from Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin Messer regarding a $20 million grant awarded to a Detroit-area businesswoman and MEDC executive committee member. Runestad's concerns stem from reports of potential misuse of taxpayer funds by Fay Beydoun, who received the grant for her start-up company Global Link International."The MEDC must answer for the negligence and corruption demonstrated by this grant," said Sen. Runestad. "This is supposed to be an organization that builds...
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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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Runestad votes against ‘good for headlines and nothing else’ gun ban bills
State Sen. Jim Runestad on Thursday voted against legislation pushed by Democrats that would criminalize law-abiding Michiganders for exercising Second Amendment rights in public 40 days before any election.“At the end of the day, bad legislation is bad legislation, and I will not support the government infringing upon the constitutional rights of common citizens,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “There are already laws on the books to address the kinds of situations these bills purport to address. Anyone brandishing a weapon in an intimidating or threatening manner — at a...
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Suggested headline: State Sen. Jim Runestad Calls for Audit of Unemployment Insurance Agency
LANSING, MI— State Sen. Jim Runestad has taken action by sending a letter to Michigan Auditor General Doug Ringler, requesting an audit of the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). Runestad, representing White Lake, voiced concerns from the business community regarding the approval of benefits for claimants who may not be entitled to them."The UIA has been mismanaged for years," Runestad expressed, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of the agency's practices. He acknowledged a previous audit that uncovered fraudulent claims amounting to millions of dollars...
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Runestad reintroduces bipartisan nursing home camera bill once ‘pocket vetoed’ by governor
State Sen. Jim Runestad has reintroduced a bipartisan bill that would allow nursing home residents to install cameras in their own rooms, in order to better protect vulnerable seniors from abuse. Runestad's legislation, Senate Bill 717, mirrors a previous bill that was left unsigned by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Runestad emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, "In a perfect world, we wouldn't need this legislation, but unfortunately, abuse occurs in nursing homes, so we must do what we can to help protect these residents." The bill gained support in the...
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Republican senators introduce resolution to support Texas governor’s border policies
Republican senators, led by Sen. Jim Runestad and Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, have introduced a resolution in support of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's efforts to secure the southern border. The resolution, known as Senate Resolution 91, aims to recognize and endorse the actions taken by Gov. Abbott to protect the citizens of his state and secure the border.Sen. Runestad expressed his concerns about the current situation at the southern border, stating, "There is a torrent of illegal immigration flooding our southern border. The Biden administration has left our...
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Ignoring immigration laws impacts residents, says Sen. Jim Runestad
In a recent op-ed published in The Detroit News, State Sen. Jim Runestad highlights the impact of ignoring immigration laws on the residents of Michigan. Runestad emphasizes the importance of immigration laws, stating that every nation recognizes the need to protect the interests of its citizenry through limits and criteria in the admission of new immigrants.Runestad criticizes the policies put in place by the Biden administration, arguing that they have rendered immigration laws meaningless. He points out that there have been no deterrents or penalties for entering the...
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Runestad Defends Rights of Michigan Homeschoolers
State Senator Jim Runestad has come out in support of the rights of Michigan parents to homeschool their children, amidst recent challenges from prominent Democrats. The chair of the state House Education Committee, Rep. Matt Koleszar, has called for the mandatory registration of all homeschoolers in the state, following Attorney General Dana Nessel's charges against two couples for alleged abuse and conspiracy. However, Runestad argues that the focus should be on holding the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Child Protective Services accountable, rather...
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Runestad Detroit News op-ed: Drivers license bills would make immigration crisis worse
State Senator Jim Runestad of Michigan has voiced his concern about proposed legislation that would grant driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants in the state. In an op-ed for The Detroit News, Runestad argues that such a move would only worsen the ongoing immigration crisis in the country.Runestad begins by criticizing the Biden administration's handling of immigration, stating that "some 6.2 million people have crossed our border illegally since Jan. 20, 2021." He attributes this surge in illegal immigration to the policies and incentives put in place by the...