Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, as a proud native Michigander, I am keenly aware of the importance of our Great Lakes. I grew up enjoying the national treasure of the Great Lakes, and I want the same opportunity for my three young boys and for generations and centuries beyond. Michigan was blessed with a bountiful abundance of natural resources, holding the second-most coastline of any State in the Union because of our Great Lakes. Our Great Lakes are too important to neglect. They are too important for our economy, national security, and Michigan's way of life. Mr. Speaker, that is why I joined a bipartisan, bicameral delegation to introduce legislation that would extend the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. With the Great Lakes contributing over 90 percent of our Nation's fresh surface water and being the world's largest store of freshwater, it is critical that we continue to allocate resources to the GLRI. The Great Lakes generate $62 billion in wages annually, and every dollar invested in the GLRI yields $3.35 of economic activity. It is literally a good investment and good for our environment, too. Mr. Speaker, I implore all of my colleagues to support the GLRI extension to bolster the prosperity of our communities while simultaneously affirming our commitment to preserving the health and vitality of the Great Lakes for generations to come. ____________________”