MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The public had a chance to hear from U.P. lawmakers Friday at Northern Michigan University. Turning Point USA hosted a legislative panel discussion.
State Senator Ed McBroom was joined by State Representatives Dave Prestin, Greg Markkanen, Karl Bohnak and Parker Fairbairn.
The group discussed issues facing upper Michigan residents, including energy, health care, education and mining.
“We talked about education, we talked about mental health and health care, we talked about mining and the environment,” said Senator Ed McBroom, (R) 38th State Senate District. “I think those three are all really critical, but I think that what we really came out with, that ties so much of this together, is that the U.P. needs growth. We need economic activity, we need economic growth and how critical that is to the services that we’re losing.”
State Representative Dave Prestin says energy is a critical issue that impacts other areas.
“It would be energy, because without energy, we’re all dead in the water,” said Representative Dave Prestin (R) 108th State House District. “But health care is just as important there, and the economy, and in a lot of ways, they’re all synonymous with each other. You can have an economy without energy prosperity, and you definitely can’t have health care without a thriving economy that brings people into the U.P. to live and work and thrive.”
NMU’s Turning Point USA President says he hopes Friday’s event highlights the legislator’s work.
“Hearing from our members and some students on campus, there’s kind of this growing misunderstanding of where the federal issues come into play and where the state issues come into play,” said TP USA NMU Chapter President Evan Reister. “I graduate in two weeks and something I’ve been wanting to do as the leader of this group for the last two years is kind of bring in that light of what your more local representatives do.”
After the discussion, the lawmakers took questions from the audience.
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