State Representative Aric Nesbitt is seeking another two year term representing the 66th state House district.
It includes all of Van Buren County and part of Kalamazoo County. Nesbitt says he has spent three and a half year in the House, trying to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations, working on structural deficits and the state's energy policy. Nesbitt spoke with WMUK's Gordon Evans. Some highlights.
Tax Policy
Nesbitt says the state has improved its tax climate for small businesses. And he says the state's tax reform has provided corporations with a simpler flat tax rate without as many deductions. But Nesbitt says the state's current tax structure hinders new technology. He favors keeping the flat income tax rate for Michigan. Nesbitt says any future tax cuts would have to be done responsibly, with consideration for Michigan's long-term financial health. And he says lawmakers need to consider investments in education and roads that voters say are important.
Energy
A long-time proponent of natural gas exploration and extraction, Nesbitt says it produces less carbon than oil and coal. And he says the price of natural gas has dropped, making it better for business. Nesbitt says keeping air, water and land clean is a priority. He says natural gas has been harvested in Michigan for decades. Nesbitt says the state's regulations on hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking" are considered among the toughest in the nation. He says there are no recorded cases of groundwater contamination from fracking. But Nesbitt says the state needs to make sure that it has the proper regulatory environment.
Privatization
Asked about the problems with Aramark, the company hired to provide food service in Michigan prisons, Nesbitt says the state needs to consider more than cost. He says the state has to provide oversight of companies awareded state contracts. Nesbitt says there should be more than fines and punishment for problems. He says there changes need to be made to prevent future problems.
Term Limits
If Nesbitt wins re-election, it will be for his final two-year term in the House under Michigan's current term limits. Lawmakers can serve six years in the House and eight in the Senate. Nesbitt says he would favor a change that allows lawmakers to serve a total of 14 years. He says they could serve all of those in the House or Senate. Or split those 14 years between the two chambers.
Discussion of other issues can be heard in the web version of the interview.
Roads
Governor Rick Snyder has said the state needs more than $1-billion to address road maintenance and improvements. Nesbitt says the House has laid a good foundation with legislation that increases road funding He says part of the problem the state faces is that a lack of long-term roads funding is driving the price up on current road projects. Nesbitt says the state needs to find a stable funding source for infrastructure. He says that's complicated by more fuel-efficient cars and people choosing not to drive as much.
Renewable Energy
Nesbitt has proposed legislation that would certain plastics to be classified as renewable energy. The proposal has been criticized by environmental groups. But Nesbitt says some plastics can't be recycled, and new technologies could allow for converting plastics into fuel. He says the proposal is similar to new programs in Maryland. Nesbitt says otherwise the plastic is likely to end up in landfills.
Charter Schools
Recent reports have shown a lack of accountability for state money spent on charter schools. Nesbitt says any spending of state money needs proper oversight. He says that includes charter academies as well as traditional public schools. Nesbitt says the state should be providing more opportunities for students to pursue "education for employment," as well as a college degree.
Non-Discrimination
Lawmakers and Governor Rick Snyder have discussed amending the state's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Nesbitt says no one should be discriminated against. But he says religious freedom also needs to be considered. Nesbitt says he's not in favor of further regulatory burden on business, but he says people should be rewarded and employed based on merit.