Recent News from Rep. Paul Opsommer

OPSOMMER APPLAUDS SENATE EFFORTS ON LOCAL CONTROL
January 25 :: "Reforming the Urban Cooperation Act will take away impediments in Lansing that are stopping local governments from doing their jobs," Opsommer said.

REP. OPSOMMER SLAMS EXCESSIVE FURLOUGH DAYS
January 21 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer today renewed his call for passage of House Bill 5331 in response to announcements that some state departmental cost-cutting moves were going to be achieved through the use of 10 furlough days.

RACING TO THE TOP?
January 14 :: The federal government is offering states money if they meet certain educational reforms. In general, I still believe that education should be a state level function, and that there is more danger than reward in always chasing federal dollars.

OPSOMMER ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO REFORM ADMINISTRATIVE RULES PROCESS
January 11 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer today announced he will introduce legislation that seeks to regain the authority the Legislature had in the administrative rulemaking process prior to the Supreme Court decision in Blank v Department of Corrections.

THE 2009 HANGOVER
January 6 :: With the new-year upon us many feel that 2010 will be a better year for the economy. While it's easy to assume there is no place to go but up, the reality is that this year will be challenging.

OPSOMMER DERIDES 'CORNHUSKER KICKBACK'
January 4 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer today sharply criticized end of the year federal deal-making that would result in the taxpayers of Michigan subsidizing the Nebraskan Medicaid program.

INTENT OF FOIA NEEDS TO BE HONORED
December 17 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer discussed today the growing need for transparency in matters relating to Freedom of Information Act requests, based on recent events both in Lansing and Washington.

BILL OF RIGHTS DAY
December 15 :: Our country is full of official days to remember things, some more important than others. This year's Bill of Rights Day has left me feeling both thankful for our Constitution but also serves as a reminder of the challenges we face in defending it.

OPSOMMER CALLS ATTENTION TO NEEDS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, ROADS
November 24 :: With the legislative focus for November centered on the funding needs of schools and potential revisions to the sales tax formula, Rep. Opsommer today called for a broader discussion on additional core government services.

OPSOMMER THANKS BUDGET MEETING ATTENDEES
November 17 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer today thanked the many taxpayers who attended the House Fiscal Agency presentation by Mitch Bean regarding the State of the Michigan Budget. The event drew over 100 people in St. Johns, and a second event is scheduled for Ithaca.

OPSOMMER SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN PARENTAL RIGHTS REGARDING BABYSITTING
October 15 :: Mid-Michigan residents can help a friend or neighbor without facing repercussions from state government under legislation co-sponsored today by Rep. Paul Opsommer that exempts babysitting from the state's day-care regulations.

OPSOMMER: BUDGET NOT DONE, HJR A DISCHARGED AND READY FOR VOTING
October 1 :: With Oct. 1 here and an uncompleted budget on the table, state Rep. Paul Opsommer asked again today for HJR A to be taken up on the House floor as part of finalized budget discussions.

MID-MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS VOTE AGAINST NEW STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS
September 17 :: Mid-Michigan House Republican lawmakers today voted against allocating millions of taxpayer dollars to fund a controversial new Michigan State Police headquarters in downtown Lansing.

REVENUE SHARING BILL WOULD INCREASE CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION TO 20 PERCENT
September 10 :: Revenue sharing took center stage today at the Capitol as the Michigan Fire Services Coalition and a bipartisan group of legislators urged their colleagues to preserve funding for state revenue sharing.

REP. OPSOMMER TO INTRODUCE BILL LIMITING FURLOUGH DAYS
September 4 :: On what is supposed to be the sixth and final scheduled furlough day of the year, state Rep. Paul Opsommer today announced he will introduce legislation to limit the amount of furlough days that can be used in the future.

OPSOMMER INTRODUCES BILL TO INCREASE EARNED INTEREST ON LATE TAX REFUNDS
September 1 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer today announced he has introduced legislation to increase the interest rate the state pays on tax refunds.

TOWARDS A SMALLER AND MORE EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT
August 28 :: The size of government, particularly at the federal level, is expanding greatly. But this also has a trickle down effect on Michigan.

OPSOMMER TO INTRODUCE "FIREARM OWNERSHIP EMPLOYEE PROTECTION ACT"
August 17 :: Bill protects employees from being fired because of gun ownership

OPSOMMER CALLS FOR MORE ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
August 7 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer joined other legislators today to discuss the importance of accountability in government and the need for reform in major contract agreements.

OPSOMMER BILLS WOULD LESSEN ROAD DOLLAR DIVERSIONS
August 6 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer announced today he will introduce legislation that would change the way the Department of Treasury allocates the interest it earns on money it keeps in the "common cash fund." Under current practices much of the interest money that transportation fund dollars earn gets shifted for other purposes, ultimately leaving less money for concrete and asphalt.

OPSOMMER PRAISES SENATE ACTION, CALLS FOR HCR 04 AND SCR 04 TO BE HEARD
June 18 :: Rep. Paul Opsommer today praised the Senate for officially beginning the discussion on the issue of state sovereignty. The Senate passed both SCR 13 and SR 62 on Tuesday.

OPSOMMER BILL WILL PROTECT TRANSPORTATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
June 12 :: Rep. Opsommer (R-DeWitt) announced today that he would be introducing legislation designed to bring the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) under the umbrella of Constitutional protection. Plans in Lansing call for $18 million in TEDF dollars to be redirected to the General Fund even though the money is generated from driving related fees.

FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION DOLLARS: IF IT’S BROKE, DON’T FIX IT
June 8 :: There has been much media attention that the federal Highway Trust Fund is running out of money and going broke. Last year, an $8 billion infusion of money was required to keep funding whole, and this year Congress will have to come up with an additional $5 billion to $7 billion by August. It is projected that an additional $8 billion to $10 billion will be needed in 2010.

REP. PAUL OPSOMMMER - APRIL 28 COLUMN
April 28 :: Where's the plan for small business?

SNAKE OIL & DRIVER’S LICENSES
April 20 :: The Department of Homeland Security is coming to Detroit to push their new "Enhanced Drivers License" (EDL) program on Tuesday as a way to make Michigan licenses compliant with the federal Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

OPSOMMER CALLS ON GOVERNOR TO REVIEW ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSES
April 8 :: State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) called on Governor Granholm today to use her newly created “Information Privacy Protection Council” to review the federal Memorandum of Agreement that Michigan has entered into regarding computer-chipped Enhanced Drivers Licenses.

TAXES, POTHOLES AND TRANSPORTATION DOLLARS
March 31 :: While April means tax time, for many local road crews it's the beginning of pothole season. Our roads are in poor shape, a problem worsened by our economy and reluctance to make roads a priority.

REP. OPSOMMER TO CO-CHAIR PROPERTY TAX CONFERENCE IN LANSING
February 27 :: Lansing will play host to a Property Tax Conference on March 12 that features seven university professors and other experts from across the country. Rep. Opsommer (R-DeWitt) will serve as co-chair.

EXPANSION OF RFID ENABLED DRIVER LICENSE PROGRAM RECEIVES HARSH CRITICISM
February 20 :: Michigan State Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, today blasted new Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for her recent comments regarding the expansion of the current "Enhanced Drivers License Program" into both border and non-border states.

OPSOMMER DISCUSSES BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
February 11 :: The governor is expected to announce her budget on Feb. 12, and although the details of those cuts are not known as of the time of this writing, it is thought that many of those cuts will run deep.

OPSOMMER STRESSES NEED FOR LOCAL CONTROL OF FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE
January 29 :: State Rep Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, today announced he will work with other legislators to reintroduce a package of bills regarding the local government-oriented Urban Cooperation Act so local municipalities can move quickly to reform communities with any stimulus dollars they receive.

REP. OPSOMMER WEB SITE OFFERS OPTION FOR UNEMPLOYED WORKERS
January 22 :: In response to constituents who have called his office with complaints over constantly getting a busy signal when calling in for unemployment, state Rep. Paul Opsommer has added an easy-to-use form to his Web site to help.

WHERE WILL THE 2009 FEDERAL STIMULUS TAKE US?
January 8 :: Many bailout proposals have focused on packages for banks and large corporations, and not enough on tax breaks and stimulus for individuals.

MICHIGAN'S SMALL BUSINESSES: PAYING FOR THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS
October 10 :: Michigan's goal should be lowering our property tax burden to keep people in their homes, not bailing out mortgage companies that made bad loans.

BALANCING OUR ENERGY NEEDS IN MICHIGAN
September 26 :: Michigan is clearly at an energy crossroads. Despite our efforts to conserve, we have reached a point where our ability to generate electricity at peak times doesn't sufficiently meet our demand, forcing us to buy on an expensive open market.

THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE MORTGAGE EXPERIMENT MELTDOWN
September 9 :: As many of us were preparing this week to pay our property taxes came the news that the federal government had seized control of mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

INVESTMENT FOR MICHIGAN'S ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
August 15 :: Speaking on the 5th year anniversary of the worst electrical blackout in North American history, State Representative and House Energy Committee member Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) spoke out today on the urgent need to shore up Michigan's aging energy infrastructure.

ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY AND REFINERY BILLS NEED TO BE FAST-TRACKED
August 4 :: "What's the weather like" is no longer the summer topic of conversation, replaced by discussions over the high price of gas and whether we should be drilling for additional oil.

RESIDENTS WITH 2 MORTGAGES COULD RECEIVE DUAL EXEMPTIONS
July 18 :: Mid-Michigan homeowners stuck with two principal residences due to the slumping housing market could receive special tax savings this year by submitting a form to their previous local municipality, according to State Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-93).

REP. OPSOMMER PRAISES LOWER ENERGY CONSUMPTION, SAYS MANY MORE TAX DOLLARS CAN BE SAVED
July 11 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, today praised the announcement that energy consumption for state facilities is down by 18 percent compared to the 2002 fiscal year, saving Michigan nearly $21 million.

HOUSE VOTES ON JOBS TRUST FUND CHANGE; BILL SENT TO GOVERNOR
June 27 :: Changes to the 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund were concurred on this week that would create a new energy, education and jobs-related program under the Michigan Strategic Fund.

SUPREME COURT RULING AFFIRMS SECOND AMENDMENT, OTHER THREATS STILL LOOM
June 26 :: The U.S..Supreme Court today ruled that the Second Amendment is an individual and not a collective right, holding that "the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm, unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home."

REPS. OPSOMMER & VAGNOZZI CALL FOR BIPARTISAN PROPERTY TAX REFORM
June 25 :: House Bills 5971 (Rep. Paul Opsommer - R93) and 4097 (Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi - D37) would raise the Homestead Property Tax Credit and index it to inflation for the future.

REP. OPSOMMER RENEWS CALL FOR ACTION IN LIGHT OF NEW REPORT FINDINGS
May 22 :: Today saw the release of two important reports regarding the price of oil and gas.

HOUSE GOP OFFERS PLAN TO EASE PAIN AT THE PUMP
May 15 :: With gas prices hitting record highs in Michigan for the third week in a row, House Republicans today announced a dynamic plan to help families struggling with high fuel costs.

MICHIGAN'S ROLE IN CURBING THE HIGH COST OF GAS
May 7 :: While there is no magic bullet solution for the high cost of gas, increased domestic production here in Michigan must become part of a plan that includes new flexible refineries and a transition away from a traditional gas based economy.

REP. OPSOMMER SEES NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES RESOLUTION MOVE
April 30 :: State Representatives Paul Opsommer (R-93) and Fred Miller (D-31) announced today that a resolution they sponsored at the Washington, D.C. Spring Forum of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has overwhelmingly passed.

STATE UNIVERSITIES TO ALLOW IN-STATE RATES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
April 18 :: Representatives from universities across the state of Michigan met with members of the Presidents Council and a group of state legislators at the Capitol this week to sign an agreement allowing children of Michigan's military families to qualify for in-state tuition rates despite their parent's frequent military transfers.

PUT FOCUS ON CITIZENSHIP, COST AND SECURITY, NOT RFID
April 9 :: Federal passports received more black eyes last week. Along with concerns over compromised personal data came allegations that taxpayers are again being overcharged, with passport prices increasing at the artificially high rate of over 50% since 1998.

'SUNSHINE WEEK' ATTEMPTS TO SHINE LIGHT ON STATE GOVERNMENT
March 19 :: As the nation promotes government transparency during this year's "Sunshine Week," state Rep. Paul Opsommer joined several legislators in promoting bills that would allow Michigan residents easier access to state records that would show them how their tax dollars are being used.

GOP REFORM MEASURES WILL HELP HOMEOWNERS WITH UNFAIR PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS
March 6 :: As many people throughout mid-Michigan scratch their heads over having to pay more property taxes even though their home's value has decreased, there is potential good news on the horizon if House GOP-sponsored legislation becomes law.

OPSOMMER AND MILLER ASK STATE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD FOR DUE DILIGENCE IN ENHANCED DRIVER LICENSE INITIATIVE
February 29 :: Reps. Paul Opsommer (R-93) and Fred Miller (D-31) have formally asked the State Administrative Board to seek firm answers from the federal government before entering into any agreements on the creation of enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs).

PROGRESS MADE ON ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, BUT MORE WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE
February 21 :: The House took a step forward with the passage of HB 5600 this week, a bill that would provide additional tax incentives for some Michigan-based alternative energy companies.

REP. OPSOMMER WANTS TO HEAR FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS
February 14 :: Residents have the opportunity to visit with state Rep. Paul Opsommer at separate locations in Clinton and Gratiot counties this month.

INITIATIVES TO HELP THE CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES CONTINUE TO PROGRESS
February 13 :: Rep. Opsommer met today with the U.S. Department of Defense to discuss two initiatives that will help to ensure that the children of military personnel can receive affordable and uninterrupted education.

OPSOMMER BLASTS NEW PASSPORT FEES, ENCOURAGES MICHIGAN RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR NEW BORDER RULES
February 1 :: With the price of traditional passport fees already high, state Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-93) blasted today's decision by the federal government to raise the fees on new passports and renewals. The new fees come at a time when Congress is still looking for answers on a Government Accountability Office report from just last year that showed residents were being overcharged for passports.

MICHIGAN 2008: NEW CHALLENGES, NEW OPPORTUNITIES
January 8 :: Last year was difficult for the state in many ways, and while we still face many challenges, I am optimistic that 2008 will also be a year with positive change and better news for both Clinton and Gratiot counties.

A GOOD WEEK FOR NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY
December 28 :: 2007 will go down as a year that saw a marked increase in assaults on the sovereignty of the United States. There were continued efforts to make NAFTA “trade obligations” and United Nation’s “mandates” legally binding onto our citizens, as well as attempts to further weaken our country’s already poor immigration laws.

LAWMAKERS UNVEIL DYNAMIC PLAN TO HELP MICHIGAN HOMEOWNERS
December 17 :: State Reps. Paul Opsommer and Rick Jones today unveiled sweeping legislation to help struggling Michigan homeowners by reducing their overall tax burden, protecting home equity and fighting harmful lending practices.

REPEAL OF SERVICE TAX, DNR BUDGET MUST BE ADDRESSED
November 30 :: Representative Paul Opsommer today issued a statement regarding two important issues before the Michigan House.

OPSOMMER WORKS TO SOLVE LOCAL CABLE PRICING AND CHANNEL ACCESS ISSUES
November 14 :: A frequent problem known all too well by many Michigan residents is the growing inability for people to watch local college games on television.

BUDGET UPDATE, MEDICAID AND DNR FUNDING
October 26 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) today provided the following budget update:

OPSOMMER TO INTRODUCE BILL TO HELP FIGHT PHONY ID RINGS
October 12 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-93) today announced that he is putting the finishing touches on a bill that will increase criminal penalties and make it harder for Michigan employees to create and sell phony state issued identification.

BUDGET CRISIS AVERTED, BUT AT SIGNIFICANT COST
October 2 :: The 2008 budget ended up being an ugly and drawn out affair that ultimately left everyone in Lansing accountable for a solution that took far too long and only addressed a small part of Michigan's structural deficit.

OPSOMMER WILL USE SATELLITE OFFICE IF GOVERNMENT IS SHUTDOWN
September 27 :: State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93) was informed late Tuesday afternoon that if a government shutdown is ordered that his office would be closed without he, his staff, or constituents being able to work or meet there.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ILL-ADVISED AND UNNECESSARY
September 26 :: State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) joined with other lawmakers from across Michigan today to call for the passage of a continuation budget in order to avert a government shutdown. Such a bill has already been approved in the Senate, and once passed out of the House would be sent to the Governor for her signature. If a continuation budget is not signed soon, all indications point toward at least a partial shutdown of non-essential services as soon as Monday, October 1st.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN SIMPLY NOT AN OPTION
September 21 :: Rep. Paul Opsommer offered the following statement today:

OPSOMMER HELPS LEAD BIPARTISAN GROUP TO AID MILITARY CHILDREN
September 6 :: Current policies often force local students to pay out-of-state tuition rates

OPSOMMER TO SERVE ON GOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AND REFORM PANEL
July 19 :: Michigan House Republicans today announced that Rep. Paul Opsommer has been selected to serve on the GOP's Michigan Task Force on Government Reform. Several public meetings will be held to help jumpstart the effort to reform government, increase cooperation and save taxpayer dollars.

OPSOMMER PLANS OFFICE HOURS AT LOCAL FESTIVALS
June 27 :: To make it more convenient for local residents to talk with him about state and local issues, state Rep. Paul Opsommer is sponsoring office hour booths at the Elsie Dairy Festival Craft Show and Gratiot County Fair for Youth during July.

REP. OPSOMMER SEEKS FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PASSPORT SYSTEM
June 13 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer today announced he will introduce a Michigan resolution urging the federal government to provide passports in a more timely and cost-effective manner.

RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO MEET WITH REP. OPSOMMER
May 31 :: Residents have the opportunity to visit with state Rep. Paul Opsommer at two separate locations in Clinton and Gratiot counties in June.

STATE REP. PAUL OPSOMMER SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO AID THE CHILDREN OF MILITARY PERSONNEL
May 24 :: Current policies often force local students to pay out-of-state tuition rates

REP. OPSOMMER STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES
April 2 :: USDA Grant Monies Available for Mid-Michigan

'HALT THE HIKE!'
March 30 :: GOP launches petition drive to stop Democrat plan to raise income taxes

REP. OPSOMMER SETS LOCAL OFFICE HOURS
March 8 :: Residents have the opportunity to visit with state Rep. Paul Opsommer at two separate locations in Clinton and Gratiot counties later this month.

HOUSE GOP: MISMANAGEMENT OF TAXPAYER FUNDS CANNOT CONTINUE
March 5 :: Jones, Opsommer unveil plan, call on majority to take action

OPSOMMER RESOLUTION WOULD CALL FOR HALT TO "REAL I.D."
February 20 :: Federal mandate unfairly leaves States and legal residents holding the bag

OPSOMMER MEASURE WOULD REDUCE COST OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
February 15 :: Bill would allow municipalities to better consolidate services

OPSOMMER RECEIVES KEY COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
January 30 :: Lawmaker to help create education and energy policy

STATE GOVERNMENT MUST PAY ITS BILLS ON TIME, JUST LIKE MICHIGAN RESIDENTS
January 23 :: Bill requires state to make timely payments to local governments

PAUL OPSOMMER TACKLES "ROBO-CALLS" AS FIRST LEGISLATIVE INTRODUCTION
January 16 :: Paul Opsommer, new state representative for the 93rd District, introduced legislation on January 9th to regulate "robo-calls" as his first legislative introduction.

OPSOMMER NAMED TO LEADERSHIP POST
January 11 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer today has been named an assistant whip for the 2007-08 Michigan House legislative session.

OPSOMMER BECOMES NEW STATE LAWMAKER
January 10 :: State Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, today took the oath of office at a Capitol ceremony and officially started his first term as the 93rd House District's voice in Lansing.

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