South Michigan News

Senator Roger Hauck of Michigan has joined a Republican initiative focused on reducing taxpayer expenses and enhancing the state's appeal to businesses. "We certainly need to look at ways to make Michigan a more attractive state for businesses and various industries — and I don’t mean offering taxpayer-funded handouts to come here," stated Hauck, R-Mt. Pleasant. He highlighted that Michigan ranks 49th in the nation for unemployment, with other states attracting its workers and businesses choosing locations with fewer governmental restrictions.

Hauck introduced Senate Bill 437, which aims to reinstate Michigan's Right to Work status for public employees. This follows a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming public workers' rights to opt out of union dues. Hauck commented, "I spent much of my life as a union member, and my union fought hard to show its worth to workers."

He criticized prevailing wage laws for increasing project costs unnecessarily because they are funded by taxpayers. "I voted no when prevailing wage was reinstated because it tells taxpayers that we don’t need to be mindful of spending when using their money," he said.

Hauck is also involved in efforts aimed at boosting Michigan's economic position and encouraging business growth. His legislative actions include sponsoring bills to repeal energy mandates, supporting infrastructure funding, and advocating for tax relief for both businesses and residents.

"These bills build on several other efforts aimed at promoting economic growth, improving Michigan’s poor economic standing, and reeling in the current tax-and-spend attitude that has plagued our state Capitol in recent years," Hauck noted.