Senator Michele Hoitenga's Press Releases

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michele Hoitenga issued the following statement after the Legislature sent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer legislation to preserve the state’s tipped wage and enact a workable paid sick leave benefit: “While the legislation we’ve passed today is not the perfect solution, it is a better outcome than allowing the Michigan Supreme Court’s extreme sick leave policy to go into effect. “In the coming year,

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, released the following statement after the Senate on Thursday approved legislation to preserve the state’s tip credit system, a significant step forward to avert economically crippling new mandates set to take effect next week: “While Democrats failed to act for six months, Republicans have fought tooth and nail, and today, we finally took one step closer to saving 50,000

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, issued the following statement in response to the governor’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal to the Legislature on Wednesday: “While there are some things in the governor’s budget proposal that I support, it lacks the necessary funding mechanisms and strategic vision that are critical for delivering lasting improvements that put the needs of our communities first. “On top of

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michele Hoitenga on Wednesday sent a letter to the Senate majority leader requesting a public hearing on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s most recent appointments to the Natural Resource Commission (NRC). “The Senate holds the constitutional authority to vet gubernatorial appointments. This process is vital for maintaining checks and balances within the government, ensuring that the qualifications, experience, and motivations of appointees align with

By Sen. Michele Hoitenga 36th Senate District Politicians have lost sight of basic governing, and it comes at a tremendous cost for families and communities. The primary role of government is to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens — a goal best achieved through responsible governing and prioritizing budgets that allocate funds to essential services like infrastructure and public safety. Strong infrastructure — including

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michele Hoitenga on Friday rebuked the Department of Natural Resources’ plans to destroy more than 400 acres of forest near Gaylord to install solar farms. “Fearing they won’t meet new unrealistic and costly energy mandates, state bureaucrats now plan to clear-cut Michigan forests,” said Hoitenga, R-Manton. “Radical Democrats who once dismissed the idea of solar farms being built in our backyards as