South Michigan News

State Representative Nancy Jenkins-Arno has endorsed a legislative package aimed at bolstering Michigan's defenses against foreign influence. The proposed bills are intended to protect the state's residents, security, and economy from potential threats posed by foreign entities identified on federal watch lists.

"This is about protecting Michigan’s people, communities, and sovereignty," stated Jenkins-Arno. "We cannot afford to ignore the clear and growing risks posed by foreign actors with a track record of working against American interests."

The legislation includes House Bills 4233–4235 and 4238–4242, which address concerns about countries like China influencing Michigan. Recent developments involving Chinese-owned battery plants in Marshall and Big Rapids have heightened these concerns due to their proximity to National Guard bases and other critical infrastructure.

Additionally, an incident involving University of Michigan students partnering with China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University near Camp Grayling during joint military exercises has raised further alarms.

House Bill 4238, introduced by Jenkins-Arno, seeks to prevent public schools from accepting grants or entering agreements that promote anti-American agendas from foreign nations of concern. "This is about drawing a clear line when it comes to who can influence our education system," said Jenkins-Arno. "It puts a stop to foreign adversaries using financial leverage to push propaganda in our schools."

Other measures in the plan aim to:

- Block prohibited apps on government devices to prevent sensitive information collection.

- Restrict public bodies from engaging in constraining agreements with concerning foreign countries.

- Ensure public economic incentives are not granted to such entities.

- Safeguard personal health information by requiring healthcare record technology be maintained within the U.S. or Canada.

- Prevent concerning entities from purchasing land near military bases and other vital infrastructure.