By Eric Hamp
Freedom of the press is important to those who have chosen to be journalists and serve as the peoples’ watchdogs in America for almost 250 years.
Many feel that the First Amendment is in peril. Trust in the media has eroded at every level. Continuous allegations of “fake news” continue to permeate social media and “new” media — often targeting legacy media who will not report a certain opinion but rather continue to rely on facts.
In Michigan, this is not helped by the fact that our Capitol press corps has limited access to information about the legislature and the executive office.
For a decade, proponents of open government in the legislature and the public have pushed to remove the exemption our governor and legislators have from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). For five consecutive legislative sessions, this effort has been shut down.
This year, the state Senate showed a strong willingness to advance these bills by making them the first and second bills introduced in the session. They then went ahead to pass them out of the Senate to the House – where they have once again been stiff-armed.
Newspapers, small and large around the country, have been threatened with lack of access – and worse – for not capitulating to a certain political narrative. In Michigan, we continue to fight for access to what should be public records from our legislature and governor but both are currently exempt from FOIA. Which leads us to keep asking these elected officials, “What have you got to hide?”
There are things you can do to help strengthen your rights and press freedom. Let your state representative know you want to see transparency in the State Capitol. Join your community newspaper in celebrating Sunshine Week, March 16-22, a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government.
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Eric Hamp is president of the Michigan Press Association, and publisher and editor of the Houghton Lake Resorter and Crawford County Avalanche.
Freedom of the press is important to those who have chosen to be journalists and serve as the peoples’ watchdogs in America for almost 250 years.
Many feel that the First Amendment is in peril. Trust in the media has eroded at every level. Continuous allegations of “fake news” continue to permeate social media and “new” media — often targeting legacy media who will not report a certain opinion but rather continue to rely on facts.
In Michigan, this is not helped by the fact that our Capitol press corps has limited access to information about the legislature and the executive office.
For a decade, proponents of open government in the legislature and the public have pushed to remove the exemption our governor and legislators have from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). For five consecutive legislative sessions, this effort has been shut down.
This year, the state Senate showed a strong willingness to advance these bills by making them the first and second bills introduced in the session. They then went ahead to pass them out of the Senate to the House – where they have once again been stiff-armed.
Newspapers, small and large around the country, have been threatened with lack of access – and worse – for not capitulating to a certain political narrative. In Michigan, we continue to fight for access to what should be public records from our legislature and governor but both are currently exempt from FOIA. Which leads us to keep asking these elected officials, “What have you got to hide?”
There are things you can do to help strengthen your rights and press freedom. Let your state representative know you want to see transparency in the State Capitol. Join your community newspaper in celebrating Sunshine Week, March 16-22, a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government.
—————
Eric Hamp is president of the Michigan Press Association, and publisher and editor of the Houghton Lake Resorter and Crawford County Avalanche.
Peters Supports Resolution to Prevent Government Shutdown
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., voted with the majority last Friday in favor of the continuing resolution to prevent a shutdown of the federal government.
Peters was one of 10 Democrats who joined the Republican majority in approving the resolution on a vote of 62-38. President Donald Trump signed the resolution into law on Saturday.
“Under a normal administration, a government shutdown would be devastating to families in Michigan and across the country who count on federal programs for health care, veterans’ benefits, and small business loans,” Peters said in a prepared statement. “Shutdowns are also incredibly damaging, the last shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion. Make no mistake, a shutdown under President Trump right now would be catastrophic.”
Peters said that a government shutdown would give President Trump, Elon Musk and Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, “unchecked power to continue their illegal campaign of dismantling agencies that provide services Americans need.”
“In a shutdown, the President and OMB have ultimate control over which parts of the government stay open and which workers stay on the job – and I know their decisions would not be in the best interests of the American people,” Peters said.
“In a shutdown, the Trump Administration would be emboldened to deem countless more federal workers as non-essential, making those civil servants prime targets for future rounds of mass layoffs. This action will make our country less safe and make it much harder for Americans to access programs they count on.”
Peters said that a government shutdown would give the Trump administration “free rein to keep some agencies closed indefinitely” – including the Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
“This is a difficult choice, but with the deadline quickly approaching, I believe Congress must do its most basic job to keep the lights on. I voted to move this process forward and give the Senate a chance to take a vote so that agencies remain open and providing services, independent watchdogs can stay on the job, and Democrats can keep fighting in both Congress and in the courts to stop Republican tax cuts for billionaires and President Trump’s harmful agenda,” Peters said.
Peters was one of 10 Democrats who joined the Republican majority in approving the resolution on a vote of 62-38. President Donald Trump signed the resolution into law on Saturday.
“Under a normal administration, a government shutdown would be devastating to families in Michigan and across the country who count on federal programs for health care, veterans’ benefits, and small business loans,” Peters said in a prepared statement. “Shutdowns are also incredibly damaging, the last shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion. Make no mistake, a shutdown under President Trump right now would be catastrophic.”
Peters said that a government shutdown would give President Trump, Elon Musk and Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, “unchecked power to continue their illegal campaign of dismantling agencies that provide services Americans need.”
“In a shutdown, the President and OMB have ultimate control over which parts of the government stay open and which workers stay on the job – and I know their decisions would not be in the best interests of the American people,” Peters said.
“In a shutdown, the Trump Administration would be emboldened to deem countless more federal workers as non-essential, making those civil servants prime targets for future rounds of mass layoffs. This action will make our country less safe and make it much harder for Americans to access programs they count on.”
Peters said that a government shutdown would give the Trump administration “free rein to keep some agencies closed indefinitely” – including the Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
“This is a difficult choice, but with the deadline quickly approaching, I believe Congress must do its most basic job to keep the lights on. I voted to move this process forward and give the Senate a chance to take a vote so that agencies remain open and providing services, independent watchdogs can stay on the job, and Democrats can keep fighting in both Congress and in the courts to stop Republican tax cuts for billionaires and President Trump’s harmful agenda,” Peters said.
Huizenga Calls for Future Missile Defense Site at Fort Custer
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, has sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in support of the development of a future Eastern Continental United States Interceptor Site (CIS) at Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta.
From world-class training grounds to a well-established military community, Michigan is well-poised to take on a greater role in contributing to our national defense. The letter concludes urging Secretary Hegseth to fully and appropriately consider Fort Custer as the future home of America’s most consequential mission.
“There is a long history of support for Fort Custer from Michigan Delegation Members,” Huizenga said. “Since 1917, Fort Custer has played an integral part in training our Armed Forces for vital national security missions. Now, as the warfighter landscape continues to evolve, Fort Custer remains uniquely capable of meeting our nation’s unmet homeland defense needs.”
Joining Huizenga on this effort are U.S. Reps. Tim Walberg, John Moolenaar and Tom Barrett.
Fort Custer was designated as a finalist in a 2019 Missile Defense Agency Assessment for an Eastern Continental United States Interceptor Site (CIS). Fort Custer was determined to be the most cost-effective option with the least environmental impact. However, the Department of Defense had previously determined there was no operational requirement at the time.
“This shovel-ready location should serve as a preferential option for the U.S. taxpayer as Congress and the Trump Administration look to implement more fiscally responsible decision-making,” Huizenga wrote in his letter to Hegseth. “The Department of Defense should undertake a review and redetermination of this site to protect America’s national interest.”
In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order called the Iron Dome for America, which directs the Secretary of Defense to complete an updated assessment of the strategic missile threat to the homeland. The Department of Defense is actively reviewing options to protect the homeland and will provide a plan to the President within 60 days of the executive order issue date.
From world-class training grounds to a well-established military community, Michigan is well-poised to take on a greater role in contributing to our national defense. The letter concludes urging Secretary Hegseth to fully and appropriately consider Fort Custer as the future home of America’s most consequential mission.
“There is a long history of support for Fort Custer from Michigan Delegation Members,” Huizenga said. “Since 1917, Fort Custer has played an integral part in training our Armed Forces for vital national security missions. Now, as the warfighter landscape continues to evolve, Fort Custer remains uniquely capable of meeting our nation’s unmet homeland defense needs.”
Joining Huizenga on this effort are U.S. Reps. Tim Walberg, John Moolenaar and Tom Barrett.
Fort Custer was designated as a finalist in a 2019 Missile Defense Agency Assessment for an Eastern Continental United States Interceptor Site (CIS). Fort Custer was determined to be the most cost-effective option with the least environmental impact. However, the Department of Defense had previously determined there was no operational requirement at the time.
“This shovel-ready location should serve as a preferential option for the U.S. taxpayer as Congress and the Trump Administration look to implement more fiscally responsible decision-making,” Huizenga wrote in his letter to Hegseth. “The Department of Defense should undertake a review and redetermination of this site to protect America’s national interest.”
In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order called the Iron Dome for America, which directs the Secretary of Defense to complete an updated assessment of the strategic missile threat to the homeland. The Department of Defense is actively reviewing options to protect the homeland and will provide a plan to the President within 60 days of the executive order issue date.
Sen. Victory Introduces Income Tax Cut Legislation
State Sen. Roger Victory has introduced legislation to reduce state income taxes for all Michigan residents.
“In the midst of growing state tax revenues and spending, hardworking Michigan taxpayers deserve financial relief,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville. “This plan would provide substantial tax relief to struggling families, seniors on fixed incomes, and locally-owned businesses dealing with higher costs.”
Senate Bill 151 would reduce the state’s personal income tax from 4.25 percent to 3.9 percent, rolling the rate back to what it was before a 2007 increase signed by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The reduction would also cut taxes for small businesses that file under the personal income tax.
Victory said the cut is needed to make Michigan more competitive regionally.
According to the Tax Foundation’s State Tax Competitiveness Index, Michigan faces significant regional competition as taxpayers in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania all pay lower rates.
“My bill would give Michigan taxpayers long-overdue tax relief, help our state compete for new talent and get our state back on track,” Victory said. “I believe we can provide relief while continuing to provide essential services and make important infrastructure investments.”
“In the midst of growing state tax revenues and spending, hardworking Michigan taxpayers deserve financial relief,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville. “This plan would provide substantial tax relief to struggling families, seniors on fixed incomes, and locally-owned businesses dealing with higher costs.”
Senate Bill 151 would reduce the state’s personal income tax from 4.25 percent to 3.9 percent, rolling the rate back to what it was before a 2007 increase signed by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The reduction would also cut taxes for small businesses that file under the personal income tax.
Victory said the cut is needed to make Michigan more competitive regionally.
According to the Tax Foundation’s State Tax Competitiveness Index, Michigan faces significant regional competition as taxpayers in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania all pay lower rates.
“My bill would give Michigan taxpayers long-overdue tax relief, help our state compete for new talent and get our state back on track,” Victory said. “I believe we can provide relief while continuing to provide essential services and make important infrastructure investments.”
Rep. Slagh to Host Office Hours at Frank’s
State Rep. Brad Slagh, of Zeeland, has announced an opportunity for local residents to join him during his office hours in Zeeland, Hudsonville and Jenison next Monday.
Slagh will be available at the following times and locations:
• From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Frank’s Restaurant, 134 E. Main Ave., Zeeland
• From 1 to 2 p.m. at Signatures Coffee & Espresso, 6375 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville
• From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Biggby Coffee, 7589 Cottonwood Dr., Jenison
In addition to hearing from the people he represents, the representative said he looks forward to providing a legislative update, including information about a plan he helped introduce to finally fix Michigan’s roads – especially local roads – without raising taxes.
“Michigan residents are already taxed more than enough – they deserve to have government services as basic as road maintenance taken care of quickly and reliably,” Slagh said. “I’m pleased to be part of a real solution that will provide safer roads to our communities for years to come.”
Slagh also mentioned other issues of relevance from recent weeks, such as keeping girls’ sports safe and fair, protecting the state from a shutdown, holding sanctuary cities accountable, increasing government oversight and transparency, and more.
No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those unable to attend at these scheduled times but would still like an opportunity to talk with Rep. Slagh may call his office at (517) 373-0830 or email BradleySlagh@ house.mi.gov.
Slagh will be available at the following times and locations:
• From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Frank’s Restaurant, 134 E. Main Ave., Zeeland
• From 1 to 2 p.m. at Signatures Coffee & Espresso, 6375 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville
• From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Biggby Coffee, 7589 Cottonwood Dr., Jenison
In addition to hearing from the people he represents, the representative said he looks forward to providing a legislative update, including information about a plan he helped introduce to finally fix Michigan’s roads – especially local roads – without raising taxes.
“Michigan residents are already taxed more than enough – they deserve to have government services as basic as road maintenance taken care of quickly and reliably,” Slagh said. “I’m pleased to be part of a real solution that will provide safer roads to our communities for years to come.”
Slagh also mentioned other issues of relevance from recent weeks, such as keeping girls’ sports safe and fair, protecting the state from a shutdown, holding sanctuary cities accountable, increasing government oversight and transparency, and more.
No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those unable to attend at these scheduled times but would still like an opportunity to talk with Rep. Slagh may call his office at (517) 373-0830 or email BradleySlagh@ house.mi.gov.
