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State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker Seeks Re-Election in New District

Michigan Senate website

State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker says Michigan's economy and business climate has improved, and she wants to do more. 

The Republican state Senator currently represents Kalamazoo County and a small portion of Van Buren County, where she lives in the state Senate. She is running for re-election in the new 26th District that includes Van Buren, Allegan and a small portion of Kent County.

Schuitmaker says the Legislature has put $1-billion more into education. Although educators say there is actually less money getting into the classroom. Schuitmaker says it was important to shore up the retirement system for teachers. She says legacy costs were a major factor in the city of Detroit's bankruptcy.

On roads, Schuitmaker says she's willing to work on a bi-partisan solution for repair and maintenance. Schutimaker says she's willing to consider an increase in the gas tax and changes in how it's calculated to raise more money. But says she probably would not support an increase in vehicle registration fees.

Schuitmaker says she feels no one should be discriminated against, but says she would also consider people's sincere religious beliefs in any discussion of amending the state's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to add protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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