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Saturday, April 27, 2024

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Nesbitt Urges UM President to Defend Student Safety Amid Anti-Semitic Events

LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt on Thursday sent a letter to University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono urging the school’s leader and Board of Regents to defend student safety after the state-funded research institution became another site of hateful anti-Semitic demonstrations sweeping the nation."The free and open exchange of ideas is the cornerstone of our free nation and its university system, but a line has been crossed when members of the Jewish community are forced to fear for their safety on campus simply because they are Jewish. Freedom...

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Apr 25, 2024

Local Government

Hall, Nesbitt witness border crisis firsthand in visit to southern border

LANSING, Mich. — House Republican Leader Matt Hall and Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt recently visited the United States’ southern border with Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas. The visit aimed to observe the ongoing efforts to combat the border crisis that has escalated during President Joe Biden's administration.During their visit, the legislative leaders met with Texas officials and witnessed firsthand the challenges posed by illegal immigration. The operation they observed, known as Texas’ Operation Lone Star, focuses on enhancing border security, reducing illegal...

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Apr 16, 2024

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Nesbitt, Wendzel Criticize EGLE for Delaying Permits, Harming Michigan Farmers

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Apr 16, 2024

LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt and state Rep. Pauline Wendzel have raised concerns about the delays and bureaucracy faced by Michigan's blueberry growers due to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).Nesbitt criticized EGLE, stating, "Unelected bureaucrats at EGLE have stalled for more than a year, refusing to issue required permits or answer for their ongoing negligence." He expressed frustration over the impact of these delays on both growers and consumers, emphasizing the need for accountability.Wendzel echoed these...

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Nesbitt Celebrates Reopening of Palisades Nuclear Generating Station in Michigan

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Mar 27, 2024

Senator Aric Nesbitt, the Senate Republican Leader, expressed his enthusiasm for the reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station in southwest Michigan. He emphasized the positive impact this decision will have on the region, stating, "Palisades coming back online is a big win for southwest Michigan as it means more jobs and more reliable, affordable power for the people of this state."Nesbitt also highlighted the importance of Palisades in providing stable energy amidst concerns about future energy mandates. He pointed out, "With the dark shadow of Gov....

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Nesbitt will seek answers after quiet shutdown of MDHHS Benton Harbor office

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Mar 20, 2024

LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, expressed deep concern after discovering the sudden closure of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office in Benton Harbor. Nesbitt stated, "I find it very troubling to learn from local media that the MDHHS office in Benton Harbor has been closed for the past two weeks — allegedly because of mold issues — and more than 170 state employees are working from home or other sites with minimal information shared with the community and nondescript notices posted at the location."...

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Nesbitt blasts Dem bills to funnel more tax dollars into global corporations, harm Michigan small businesses

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Mar 19, 2024

LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, criticized the recent actions of Democrats in the Legislature. Nesbitt expressed his concerns stating, "Families and small business owners continue to struggle across our state, and Democrats in the Legislature continue to kick them while they’re down. Instead of working toward real solutions to grow Michigan’s economy and encourage prosperity, Senate Democrats — after already repealing Right to Work, resurrecting Prevailing Wage, and guaranteeing higher energy costs — have chosen to play a name...

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Amount of taxpayer-funded subsidies plummet in cities associated with Berrien County in 2021

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 29, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Berrien County received $8.3 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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The state of taxpayer-funded farm subsidies in cities associated with Cass County in 2021

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 28, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Cass County received $6.5 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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Nesbitt blasts Dems for refusing to protect Michiganders from fentanyl trafficking, U.S. border crisis

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 28, 2024

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, criticized Senate Democrats for their failure to address the issue of fentanyl trafficking and the U.S. border crisis in Michigan. Nesbitt expressed his frustration, stating, “Once again, the Democrat majority has chosen to cater to their special interests rather than working to solve real problems to improve the quality of life for the people of Michigan. It is a tragedy that they are using their slim majority to protect milkweed and butterflies rather than working on commonsense solutions to protect the people of...

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Did farm subsidies in cities associated with Van Buren County rise or fall in 2021?

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 27, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Van Buren County received $13.1 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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979 Allegan County farmers received agricultural subsidies in 2021

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 25, 2024

Farms in Allegan County received $4,096,218 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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How much in taxpayer-funded subsidies did farmers in Van Buren County receive in 2021?

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 24, 2024

Farms in Van Buren County received $3,225,859 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Taxpayer-funded subsidies offered to Cass County farmers in 2021 reached $3,078,219

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 23, 2024

Farms in Cass County received $3,078,219 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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How much did farmers in Berrien County receive in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021?

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 22, 2024

Farms in Berrien County received $4,026,837 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Nesbitt Supports Republican Plan to Protect Michigan Communities Against Biden's Border Policies

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 21, 2024

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt voiced his support for a plan introduced by Senate Republicans aimed at addressing the failures of President Joe Biden's border policies and protecting Michigan communities. Nesbitt emphasized the need to enforce U.S. immigration laws and safeguard local areas from the repercussions of the current crisis."Joe Biden’s disastrous open border policies have led to a crisis of proportions never experienced before in our nation’s history," Nesbitt stated. He highlighted the overwhelming impact on communities, stating, "small communities and...

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Senate Republicans Call for Contingency Budget Proposal Amid Court Battle Over Income Tax Hike

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 20, 2024

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt and Senate Appropriations Minority Vice Chair Jon Bumstead have urged Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to present a second budget recommendation to the Legislature before the Michigan Court of Appeals rules on the fate of her $700 million income tax increase."If the courts were to provide a favorable ruling for the people of our great state by protecting families and small businesses from an income tax increase, the budget you presented this month would be out of balance," Nesbitt stated in a letter alongside Bumstead.The Court of Appeals is...

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Senate Republicans Criticize Governor's Budget Recommendation as "Unsustainable"

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 7, 2024

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt and Senate Appropriations Minority Vice Chair Jon Bumstead have expressed their concerns regarding the state's budget and its impact on Michigan residents in a letter addressed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Budget Director Jen Flood. The letter comes after the governor's proposed budget presentation, which, according to Nesbitt, was filled with "public relations talking points paid for by the $700 million income tax increase the Democrat majority demanded."Nesbitt emphasizes the need for effective government spending on...

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Republican Senators Support Texas Governor's Border Policies

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 7, 2024

Republican senators in Michigan have introduced a resolution to support the border policies of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The resolution, known as Senate Resolution 91, recognizes and supports Abbott's efforts to protect the citizens of Texas and secure the southern border.Senator Jim Runestad, one of the co-sponsors of the resolution, expressed his concerns about the current situation at the border, stating, "There is a torrent of illegal immigration flooding our southern border. The Biden administration has left our border open to anyone and everyone, and I commend the...

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Nesbitt Detroit News op-ed: MI Brighter Future plan will ensure students aren’t left behind

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 5, 2024

In an op-ed published in the Detroit News, Senator Aric Nesbitt from the 20th Senate District of Michigan discusses the MI Brighter Future plan and its importance in ensuring that students are not left behind. The article was published on February 5, 2024.Senator Nesbitt begins by highlighting the significance of education in shaping the future of Michigan's youth. He emphasizes that investing in education is crucial for the state's economic growth and prosperity. Nesbitt writes, "Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our students and preparing them for the...

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Nesbitt blasts governor’s plan to raid teacher pensions fund

By St. Joe-Benton Harbor News | Feb 2, 2024

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt has strongly criticized Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's plan to redirect $670 million of the Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System (MPSERS) payments. In a statement, Nesbitt expressed his concerns about the governor's decision, stating that it is "irresponsible and puts the state and payment fund at risk in the future."Nesbitt further emphasized the importance of using taxpayers' dollars appropriately and responsibly, particularly in addressing the state's significant debt. He believes that paying down these debts...