East Michigan News

State Representative Bill G. Schuette has introduced a set of bipartisan reforms aimed at reducing regulations in Michigan. The new legislative package seeks to address financial obstacles that residents and workers face, such as licensing fees and bureaucratic barriers.

“These plans are a needed way forward,” said Schuette, who represents Midland. “Currently, if you want to raise a family, start a business or grow your career in Michigan, there are a lot of financial hurdles in the way. There are licensing fees, hidden costs, and other bureaucratic barriers that only seem to get worse year after year. It’s why our population has stagnated and we rank towards the bottom in new job creation. Our policies shape our potential. The goal of these new bills is clear: dial back the regulation, give workers and families in our state the chance to thrive, and make Michigan a more attractive place to live and work.”

Schuette chairs the House Rules Committee and previously launched the Red Tape Reduction Initiative following committee reviews of occupational licensing and permitting procedures. This week marks the introduction of over 50 bills as part of an ongoing effort to reduce regulatory burdens.

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has also put forward recommendations intended to streamline licensing processes by removing unnecessary steps. Schuette noted that his proposals are consistent with many suggestions from the department.

“I have consistently fought to lower costs for Michiganders, and these bills will do so in multiple ways,” Schuette said. “Over 40 legislators in the House introduced plans as part of this rollout and the governor also stated that lowering costs is a top priority at her State of the State address earlier this year, so there should be a ton of common ground here and a lot of support behind these bills. I am hopeful we can get them signed into law soon so people in Midland and Gladwin counties and across the state can start putting more money back in their pockets.”

The legislative package is expected to be formally read into record soon.