Year Of Significant Reform

As the Michigan House of Representatives’ 2011-12 legislative session reaches its halfway point, State Rep. Matt Lori said 2011 has been a year of significant reform resulting in a leaner, more-efficient government.

Lori added that steps taken in 2011 show that House members concluded a year of business-tax reforms budgetary restraints and making state spending more transparent.

The Constantine-area resident said he and his peers made a number of tough decisions but as a result, the state is experiencing its lowest unemployment rate in three years and is slowly shedding its reputation of having a poor business climate.

Highlights noted by Lori include a new law calling for double bunking jail inmates and passage of a bill that removes a requirement that the legislature revisit an assessment place on nursing homes on an annual basis. He also cited a balanced state budget, downsizing government benefits, and tax reforms as other positive steps in 2011.