Rep. Tom Kunse’s Legislative Recap

A monthly update from Lansing by State Representative Tom Kunse

March has been a productive month in Lansing, and I’m excited to share some key highlights from the Capitol.

The road funding plan moved through the House Floor on March 19 with bipartisan support. We built on my plan from last term to reallocate funding for local road repairs. Michigan has been waiting for this plan for over seven years, and they finally have a long-term solution to end the year-to-year budget that doesn’t work. The plan would eliminate the sales tax on fuel and replace it with an equivalent adjustment in the fuel tax, ensuring that all generated funds are dedicated solely to road repairs. This revenue-neutral plan, which has local government support, fixes roads from the driveways to the freeways. Michigan taxpayers work hard for their money, and they deserve to have the safe, reliable roads that they have been waiting for.

Additionally, the House passed my bill, HB 4003, to rename a portion of US 131 near Big Rapids in honor of Sergeant Matthew Webber, an Army veteran from Stanwood who tragically lost his life due to wounds sustained overseas. Webber enlisted in the Army National Guard during high school and served with dedication from 2000 until his passing in 2006. He exemplified true American heroism, making the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Honoring his legacy was a priority for us, and my team even dedicated personal time to help raise the $6,000 needed for signage if the bill is signed into law.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Riverview Elementary in Big Rapids and Trinity Lutheran School for March is Reading Month. Reading “The Adventures of Onyx and The Saginaw River Ice Rescuers” by Tyler Benson to 150 young students was a fantastic experience, and I truly appreciate the warm welcome from both schools.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for more updates in the months ahead!

For further information, please reach out to my office by emailing tomkunse@house.mi.gov or by phone at 517-373-7317.