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True story: I approached one of my R colleagues w idea of creating a bipartisan economic development package. I'd put together ideas and a presentation. I'd done a ton of research, talked to economists and economic developers, talked to plenty of residents, community leaders...1/ https://twitter.com/jimananich/status/1357048455982690306
I offered up my background as someone who's lived and worked in 4 other states before choosing Michigan, as a Millennial, someone who came from the auto and creative industries working globally about how we could keep more young people in our state and attract new residents... 2/
He looked at me with a look of disdain I can't even put into words. He sat quietly, but clearly did not want to listen. By the end, he said, "Well it's nice that you read a book about this but I don't see any bills here."
Again, I'd reached out to *create* a package with him. 3/
Again, I'd reached out to *create* a package with him. 3/
We did not create that package. And in the two years I've been in office, not one of the bills I've introduced has ever even gotten a hearing. Not once have any of my R colleagues asked for my input on bills.
I represent 280,000 people in this state. Their input should matter.
I represent 280,000 people in this state. Their input should matter.
In divided government, you have to collaborate and compromise. But it's been two years and because I represent a swing district that most certainly will be up for grabs again in 2022, my district's input and needs are completely shut out of the conversation.
Don't want the Governor to veto bills? Work with us in an *actually* collaborative, bipartisan fashion. Stop throwing tantrums and holding federal funding hostage and rejecting appointments.
People are struggling and this is completely dysfunctional. And they chose this.
People are struggling and this is completely dysfunctional. And they chose this.
