REPRESENTATIVE KURT DAMROW

Anyone following Michigan politics knows it’s an interesting time to be in Lansing. Tax policy, budgets, revenue estimates and regulatory reforms are just a few of the areas we are changing to build a stronger Michigan, and in turn a better economic climate for jobs and families living right here in the Thumb.

As someone who finds great worth in open communication, I value your opinions, questions and concerns regarding these changes as we move forward. Open discussion is key to effective representation and good public policy, which is why I always encourage residents to contact me with their opinions and comments.

Outside of jobs and taxes, one subject that affects many of the families in our region is veterans’ affairs. As chair of the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security, I have had the great honor of learning more about the many ways we can improve veterans’ services, help veterans find better educational opportunities and jobs, manage post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, plan for the future, and better recognize these men and women who offer to give their lives for our security.

In addition to the committee hearings, I have extended the conversation on Michigan’s veterans by sponsoring several veterans’ affairs summits, which have brought together representatives of statewide and national veterans’ organizations with lawmakers and other policy decision-makers.

Bringing these groups together for roundtable and workgroup discussions has been invaluable in helping us understand better what we can do to help veterans and collaborate to save money while providing better service.

As a result of these and other discussions, I have sponsored House Bill 4571, which would change the definition of a veteran under Michigan law to include those who served honorably during the Cold War from Sept. 2, 1945 through December 26, 1991, and others who were active and honorably discharged during times of peace.

All of the veterans’ organizations we’ve spoken with have supported this legislation, and believe the many people who served in armed conflicts and were on-call around the world during the Cold War period should be recognized as veterans. The bill is currently being vetted through the committee process.

The House also recently passed another meaningful veterans’ bill from the transportation committee, which permits spouses, parents, siblings and children of those killed in combat to be granted a Gold Star license plate in honor of their loved one. Currently, Michigan does not permit these license plates for family members. If signed into law, the legislation would give families one more way to recognize and remind others of the price their loved one paid for our freedom.

On a very different scale, there has been much discussion in the state centered on “shared sacrifice” from a financial sense. I just want you to know that in response to this call, I fully support ending lifetime health care benefits for state lawmakers. We need to create a Legislature that is truly representative of the people. As our families worry about finding jobs or keeping their home, maintaining these rich benefits is out of line, and definitely not serving the best interest of the people. Stay tuned for more information on how the House will address this issue.

There are many difficult questions to answer as we look at ways to preserve services, retain and attract businesses, and grow jobs. I invite Tuscola and Huron County residents to contact me to discuss these important issues.

Please call toll-free at 1-888-254-5284 or email KurtDamrow@house.mi.gov.