GM/UAW Negotiations

Last week, I joined Stuart Varney on Fox Business to talk about the ongoing negotiations between GM and the UAW as well as the impact it is having on West Michigan. I don't believe the federal government should be involved in the negotiations.

I believe Congress should be focused on passing the USMCA, because it would increase the percentage of American made components for all North American made cars. This will not only have a positive impact for the big three automakers, it was also positively impact the tier 2 and tier 3 manufacturers we have here in West Michigan. To watch the full interview, click the picture below. 


West Michigan Round Up

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of presenting Tej Kothari, a student at Jenison High School, with a Congressional Award Bronze Medal. The Congressional Award is the highest honor Congress can bestow on a young person.

Tej’s incredible drive to help others serves as a wonderful example for people of all ages, but especially to his peers here in West Michigan and across the nation. You can learn more about Tej's journey to earn this prestigious award here.


At the beginning of October, I had the opportunity to join Ambassador Pete Hoekstra and West Michigan's elected leaders in welcoming officials from the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands to the City of Holland. It was a great cultural and leadership exchange between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and West Michigan!


Last week, I had the privilege of assisting a Vietnam Veteran from Holton in obtaining his medals, including a bronze star, which he earned serving our nation. Thank you for your service!


Last week, I also had the opportunity to join the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter of AMBUCS at Marge's Donut Den in Wyoming to honor Michele Suchovsky from Paws With A Cause. Through her work at Paws with a Cause, Michele is working to help more members of West Michigan's community thrive. Congratulations on earning this wonderful and well deserved recognition Michele! 


Yesterday, I joined employees from Lake Trust Credit Union to help pass out winter coats to students at Holland Heights Elementary. It was great to see organizations and employees engage, support, and work to make our community an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. 


Recently, I spent time job shadowing Grand Haven High School Principal Tracy Wilson to gain a better understanding of the current issues impacting schools in West Michigan. We had a great discuss on variety of issues impacting education including: mental health services, vaping, local control, and financial literacy. Thank you for the opportunity!


Congress In Your Community

Earlier this month, I held office hours in Grand Haven where I heard from constituents on a wide range of issues including: immigration and border security, vaccine safety, the second amendment, cannabis banking, and those strongly for impeachment as well as those strongly against impeachment.

Members of my staff continue to travel to meet with constituents in communities across West Michigan. Since the last edition of the "Huddle" my staff have assisted residents in Pentwater, Hart, Fremont, and Baldwin. 

The next staff attended mobile office hours will take place this Friday, October 18th, from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Hudsonville City Hall. If you are having trouble with a federal agency, such as the VA, Social Security, or an international adoption or immigration issue, please stop by and my team will be more than happy to assist you. 

Later this month, my team will be in Ravenna, Norton Shores, and Allendale. To get the times and locations, click here. 

The Michigan Minute