Casperson for Congress blog

Casperson: House Dems again put state’s future in hot water.

House Republicans this week fought to protect Michigan’s Great Lakes through the implementation of an environmental impact assessment tool that monitors water usage across the state, but House Democrats instead forced their own plan to harm Michigan businesses by overregulation and higher costs.

“This plan will hurt business, increase bureaucracy and benefit trial lawyers,” said state Rep. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba. “Our state has the largest stake in the effort to protect the Midwest’s greatest natural resource, both environmentally and economically, which is why the approval of the water compact was so important.” “But we also must consider the needs of our agriculture and manufacturing industries, and this legislative package does not do that.”

Casperson and the House Republican caucus fought to stop the Democrat plan that goes well beyond what is required by the Great Lakes Water Compact by imposing unnecessary regulation on Michigan businesses and farmers.

The intent of the water package to is to regulate large-quantity water withdrawals in Michigan. The Republicans offered amendments to align the House version more along the lines of the Senate version, which meets the Compact guidelines. The legislation approved by the House gives more power to the Department of Environmental Quality and harms Michigan business by severely limiting their access to resources.

“Policy decisions on water usage should be based on scientific facts considered by legislators, not bureaucrats in the DEQ,” Casperson said. “This legislation will continue the harm being done to commerce in Michigan by excessive regulations and interference. The shape this policy takes is going to impact Michigan’s future, in terms of the natural resources and the ability to create jobs.”

Tom Casperson filed over 1700 petitions today with the Secretary of State, formally launching his bid for Congress for the First Congressional District. That tremendous support translates into designating Casperson as the candidate that gathered the most support among all the candidates that have filed for the First Congressional District. Since his announcement on March 17, Casperson has traveled the entire District, covering all 31 Counties, and securing petitions from each county within the District.

“It’s with great honor and optimism that I file petitions to launch my bid for Congress, Casperson said. Driving throughout the District to gather petitions has given me another opportunity to talk with residents about their concerns. And, what I heard from Houghton to Houghton Lake was that the residents of the District want congressional representation that stands up for fiscal responsibility; stands against burdensome regulations; seeks common sense solutions; avoids partisan politics; and refuses to ‘legislate’ merely through press releases and letters to the editor. I’m looking forward to working together to ensure that voice is heard to make a real difference in Michigan. “

Casperson was elected in November 2002 to the Michigan House of Representatives in an upset of Menominee Mayor Laurie Stupak. He was re-elected in 2004 and 2006, securing as much as 68% of the vote.

Casperson, elected by his peers as an Assistant Majority Whip, has served as the Chair of the House Conservation, Forestry and Outdoor Recreation Committee. He has also served as Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee, as well as a member of the Committees overseeing Agriculture, Energy & Technology, Veterans Affairs, Tourism, and Transportation Appropriations. Additionally, Casperson has served on House Sub-Committees that examined a wide range of issues, including: Tourism, Alternative Energy, Gas Pricing, Cormorants, and Secretary of State Fees.

Prior to being elected to the State House, Casperson worked in his family’s log trucking business for 27 years, including 12 years as owner and operator of Casperson and Son Trucking. He represented the third generation in the business started by his grandfather. . He and his wife Diane, whom he married in 1982, continue to reside in Escanaba with their four children: Ashley, Tommy, Hillary, and Dane.

The First Congressional District represents 31 of the 83 Counties in the State of Michigan. With 42% of Michigan’s land mass, the First Congressional District is the largest Congressional District this side of the Mississippi river.