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Issues We Face in Michigan

November 6, 2009 by Lauren Hager

 
 
Issues we face in MIOne of the special privileges of being a State Senate candidate is meeting people at their homes and at various public events.  Although people voice their concerns in different ways, a common thread always comes through:  WE DO NOT WANT OUR TAXES RAISED!
 
With a statewide unemployment rate hovering around the 15% mark, and much higher in some areas of the 25th Senate District, people are hurting.  What do you say to Dads and Moms who are out of work with little hope for finding employment on the horizon?  They are saying that Lansing politicians must get along with what they have; cut the fat in government.  Michigan families pay enough.  We can’t afford more.
 
Fortunately, Michigan Senate Republicans have heard that message and have acted on it.  I applaud their strong leadership in holding firm on no new taxes.  In spite of strong pressure from various interest groups, they understand that Michigan’s families cannot afford more.
 
In order for our economy to turn around, Michigan must become a business-friendly state.  We must reduce our high taxes and eliminate burdensome regulations that discourage businesses from locating here.  At the same time we must be sensitive to the financial needs of local units of government and public education. We must address the concerns of our vulnerable citizens such as victims of child abuse and neglect and the elderly who lack the basic necessities of life.  Priorities must be set.  It is a tough balancing act and requires strong leadership in Lansing.
 
My Senate campaign is going well with numerous encouraging experiences.  The Hager for Senate committee has hosted three highly successful events both in terms of attendance and contributions.  It is gratifying to have many energetic volunteers coming aboard to be a part of this effort.
 

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Let the Tiny Heartbeat Go On

October 30, 2009 by Lauren Hager

Pro Life mainIt has been a great week for the Pro-Life movement in Lapeer and St. Clair Counties.  Last week the St. Clair County Right To Life held their Annual Banquet.  Clark Forsythe, Senior Counsel for AMERICANS UNITED FOR LIFE, was the guest speaker.  He did a great job of encouraging us to keep telling the story that life begins at conception and ends at natural death.  This fact is deeply rooted in American principles, culture and history.

The keynote speaker last evening at the Lapeer County Focus on Life dinner was Fr. John Riccardo.  While he discussed the evils of abortion, he also emphasized God’s forgiveness for those who have had this procedure.  He said that as bad as abortion is, God forgives.  In his talk he repeatedly said, “Begin Again!”

There are encouraging signs in the pro-life movement.  Both Mr. Forsythe and Fr. Riccardo pointed out that the number of abortions are down and that significant pro-life legislation is being passed in state legislatures.  Gallop poll “self-identification” surveys indicate more than 50% of citizens say they are pro-life.  This percentage is going up every year.

It has been my long-standing position that life begins at conception.  Abortion is wrong.  It is my personal conviction that we should stand by women who face an unplanned pregnancy and encourage them to choose life.  I applaud our local RTL chapters and the pregnancy care centers in Lapeer and St. Clair Counties who follow through in their beliefs that life is precious.
  
 I am thankful that many women who experience unplanned pregnancies choose adoption over abortion.  Every effort should be made by state policy makers and social agencies to make adoption as easy and affordable as possible.
 
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On a very personal level, Carol and I are truly blessed to have experienced two adoptions in our family.  We adopted our son Jim in 1965.  Our daughter and son-in-law adopted their daughter seven years ago.  Both have brought tremendous joy to our family.  We will be forever grateful to the two birth mothers who chose life.

 

 

 

 

 

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St. Clair County Council On Aging Opens New Center

October 26, 2009 by Lauren Hager

Greeting excited seniors at Washington Life Center

Greeting excited seniors at Washington Life Center

The Washington Life Center in Marine City is now in operation. The grand opening for the newest facility in the St. Clair County Council on Aging was held Friday. Numerous public officials as well as happy seniors were on hand for the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. President Deem Boldyreff and COA Executive Director Laura Newsome presided over the event.

The Agency is a non-profit corporation created to provide programs and services to county seniors. Its vision is to see that all senior citizens shall be able to live in their homes as long as possible. In addition, the four centers do their best to see that seniors have opportunities to participate in activates which will enhance their lives and that no senior in the county will ever feel that he/she is alone. What a great vision!

The WGreeting excited seniors at Washington Life Center smashington Life Center was formerly housed in the Cherry Beach facility. Although that facility served the senior community well for many years, it lacked the space and versatility that the former Washington Elementary School provides. Because of declining enrollment in the East China School District, the building came available. Through the cooperation of the school district and the COA as well as other community groups, a win-win situation was realized.

For more information regarding the COA and services it provides to deserving seniors, check out www.thecouncilonaging.org.

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Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame, Where Legacies Are Remembered

October 22, 2009 by Lauren Hager

Congratulations to my friend Bob Crawford!

Congratulations to my friend Bob Crawford!

Athletics have always played a key part in the quality of life in Port Huron, Michigan.  The Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame does a great job of honoring the achievements of Port Huron’s finest athletes, coaches, and teams.  It was my privilege to serve on the board of directors of this fine organization during during the ’90s. 

 
The annual Hall of Fame Banquet was held Saturday night at the Thomas Edison Inn.  About 200 people gathered to honor the induction of Tom Manis, Ann-Boyd Stewart, Miriam Stewart and the late Gary Jones.
 
The Board of Directors realizes that it takes many behind-the-scenes meHall of Famen and women to sponsor teams, finance programs and keep the playing fields in tiptop shape.  Ralph Bopra and Bob Crawford were recognized for their years of service.
 
For more than 50 years Mr. Crawford has singlehandedly transformed the ball diamonds at the Fort Gratiot Township Park into a work of art.  Church teams and Little League teams from all around the Blue Water Area have enjoyed the fruits of his labor for decades.  He richly deserved being recognized for his dedicated work.
 
For more information, check out www.phsportshalloffame.com.
 
 
 

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Citizens with “disABILITIES” Enjoying New Facility

October 18, 2009 by Lauren Hager

BWCIL 
 
At the Blue Water Center For Independent Living the emphasis is to “REPLACE DISABILITY WITH ABILITY AND BRING GREATER INDEPENDENCE TO INDIVIDUALS.”  That was the message that came through loud and clear at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new BWCIL headquarters in Port Huron.  Numerous advocates were on hand to encourage and support those who must deal with various types of disabilities.
 
In my remarks to those assembled, I mentioned a few of the guiding principles that form the core of this great organization.  A key principle is that of inclusion, that is, no one should be excluded from participation in the community due to a disability.  Another concept is that the best people to address issues of disability in the community are people with disabilities.  It has been my privilege to be a volunteer for this group for several years.
 
As we gathered around the front of the new facility, it was apparent that those with physical challenges are demonstrating self-determination to enjoy a great quality of life.
 
It is incumbent for everyone to advocate for and support those who face unique challenges in their day-to-day lives.
 
 
 

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College Students Keenly Interested in State Government

October 17, 2009 by Lauren Hager

 
 
 
I was privileged to speak to Instructor Carrie Fadell’s Political Science classes at St. Clair County Community College this week.  I was impressed with the interest in the political process the students demonstrated.
 
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One of the concerns discussed was the potential overlapping of services of the various layers of government.  They questioned whether township, city and county governments are on the same page. Are they working together? They wondered if taxpayers’ dollars are being spent in the most efficient way.
 
Fair questions!
 
I reminded the students that there will appear on the November, 2010 ballot a proposal to call for a state constitutional convention.  Such a proposal is mandated by the current constitution every sixteen years.  Michigan voters said “No” in 1994. 
 
 
 
They seemed to have second thoughts of a con-con when told that such a convention might cost upwards of $4Lauren SC4-25 million.
 

I’m always energized when speaking with students about the governmental system we have.  Their keen interest and perceptive questionsandcomments prove to me that young people realize the important of keeping informed of current events.  There is definitely hope for the future.

 

We discussed the pros and cons of a constitutional convention and what changes might be considered. Among the possibe issues that the students thought shoud come up for discussion include modification or elimination of term limints, part-time legislature, capital punishment, recall language and a unicameral legislature.

In two weeks I am privileged to be a part of Career Day at a local elementary school.  I will blog about my experience with third and fourth graders.  I’m looking forward to that.

 

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Great Turnout for FRIENDRAISER

October 15, 2009 by Lauren Hager

Oct 09 fundraiser2
Our recent Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser was a smashing success.  Not only did we significantly add to our Senate campaign fund, many new people joined with us in supporting our cause.  For that reason, it was not only a fundraiser, but also a “FRIENDRAISER.”
 Oct 09 fundraiser3
More than 200 joined us at the Range Road Knights of Columbus hall for dinner prepared by Faulkners Catering.  I was personally honored and humbled by such an outpouring of support for my Senate campaign.  There was certainly was an air of enthusiasm demonstrated by those in attendance.
 Oct 09 fundraiser1
I’m deeply grateful for the many volunteers who sold tickets, donated items for the bake sale and silent auction and helped in the kitchen.  My special thanks goes to Pauline Repp, campaign chairwoman, Bob, Carrie, Cherry, Betty and numerous volunteers who made the evening a great success.

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Health Care Plan Tramples Civil Liberties

October 8, 2009 by Lauren Hager

Nolan Finley raised an interesting point in his Detroit News blog regarding the health care reform plans Congress is considering.
 
He says that at the heart of the proposals is a MANDATE that every person buy a health insurance policy or face a stiff fine.  He notes that the Wall Street Journal wrote that, if passed, it will mark the first time that individuals will be compelled to make a purchase in exchange for the right to live in this country.
 
What a chilling thought!
 
It’s worth noting that the American Civil Liberties Union has kept quiet on this issue.  After all, it surely seems to have an impact on individual freedoms.
 
All freedom-loving Americans should be up in arms over what’s happening in Washington.

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Government CANNOT, and SHOULD NOT Handle All Problems People Face

October 5, 2009 by Lauren Hager

Bridgebuilders 1 
 
Saturday afternoon was a great day for honoring agencies that provide much needed services to families in need.  It was also a time for more than 2,000 people to enjoy free food, games, and live music.  A petting zoo and horse rides were also a part of this family and community celebration.
 
Bridge Builders Counseling and Mentoring Center of Port Huron, under the direction of Executive Director Craig Foster, sponsored the 4th Annual Fall Fest.  This event, which was held in the downtown area of Port Huron, showcased the work of Bridge Builders and many other social agencies of the greater Port Huron area.
 
Why do I write about this event? 
 
Bridgebuilders 2 smFirst, volunteers for my HAGER FOR SENATE campaign were on hand to help in this event providing help in security, preparing for the event, serving food and cleaning tables.  As we wore our bright orange campaign T-shirts, we received many positive comments for our helpful service and our campaign message. It was an absolute privilege to serve such a worthy project.
 
Secondly, and more important,  I have always believed that government, whether it be Federal, state or local CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT provide the answers to all of the difficult issues that people face. 
 
That is not the role of government!  A major role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations.  The best government is that which governs least.  The strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.
 
However, there are times that an individual or family truly needs extra help, a place to stay, a hot meal or some encouraging words. This is where help from individuals or non-profits enter the picture. 
 
My wife and I have spent our entire adult lives attempting to live out these responsibilities.  Sometimes we have been helpful; sometimes we’ve fallen short.  But it is our obligation to keep trying.
 
We have witnessed the work of the non-profits.  We are blessed to have great agencies helping people throughout the St. Clair and Lapeer County areas.
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Bridge Builders is just one example.  Founded in 1992 under the vision and leadership of Dan Lundblad, this fine organization exists to minister to low-income, one-parent families.  Their basic belief is that no one should have to raise a child alone.
 
A specific goal of Bridge Builders is to provide every boy in their counseling program with a Christian Mentor who will continue as a support to the child and his parent.  What a lofty goal… and one with which success has been realized.  Check out their website at www.bridgebuildersinc.org.
 
Kudos to all individuals and non-profits who “fill the gap” to help those who need a helping hand, and to those who live out the belief that government cannot and should not solve all of the challenges that our society faces.
 

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State Budget Deadline MUST Be Changed

October 2, 2009 by Lauren Hager

There is strong legislative movement to impose a strict penalty on both the legislature and governor to settle the budget in a timely fashion.  The current impasse in Lansing is causing great distress to schools and other local units of government across the state.
 
I wrote yesterday that Governor Candidate Mike Bouchard is pushing for a penalty of a day’s pay for every day past May 15 that the state’s budget is not finalized.
 
Way to go, Mr. Bouchard!
 
The suggestion has not been lost on a bi-partisan group of freshman legislators.  According to the
Detroit Free Press  27 lawmakers called for a constitutional amendment to require passage of a new state budget by July 1.  Like Bouchard’s idea,  for each day legislators surpass the deadline, they’d be docked a day’s pay.
 
Sounds good, however I believe the Governor and Lt. Governor should be a part of such an amendment.
 
Call your Senator and State Representative to endorse this movement.

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