Tom Kunse for State Representative, 805 Industrial Drive, Clare, MI (2026)

06/12/2026

Vote Report 6/12:
House Bill 5755: Requires state agencies to publish reports submitted to the Legislature on a public website, making it easier for residents to access government information and track agency performance.
Passed 96-9
Why I voted yes: reporting requirements are put in law for transparency. This bill will increase transparency and give the public the ability to review each report in a simpler and more accessible portal.

House Bills 5574-5576: Creates penalties for intimidating or harassing first responders and establish related definitions and sentencing guidelines.
Passed: 74-30, 71-33, 73-31
Why I voted yes: these bills create a reasonable safety buffer for first responders and agitators that wish to interfere with the important jobs of first responders.

House Bills 5815-5818: Reforms Michigan's administrative rule making process by expanding judicial review, increasing oversight, and changing how state regulations are created and challenged.
Passed: 58-46, 58-46, 57-47, 57-47
Why I voted yes: This preserves the separation of powers by restoring the courts’ role as the final interpreter of the law and increases transparency in the decision-making process.

House Bills 5510-5511: Updates rules governing delayed sentencing and delayed entry of judgment in criminal cases.
Passed: 102-3, 10
Why I voted yes: people who fail to pay child support should be on probation rather than incarcerated. That way, they still have a job to pay for child support. I understand the importance of child support, but if they go directly to jail, there is no source of income. If the debt is not resolved, jail is still an option.

House Bill 5472: Simplifies packaging requirements for to***co products sold to out-of-state purchasers by allowing required purchaser information to be placed on the outermost packaging.
Passed: 70-35
Why I voted yes: If an entire pallet of to***co products is being shipped to a single purchaser, a single label displaying the purchaser’s address should be enough to meet the requirements of the law. I love simple.

House Bills 5932-5935: Establishes deadlines, notice requirements, and fee reimbursement provisions for state-issued building permits.
Passed: 86-19, 79-26, 81-24
Why I voted yes: this will help speed up and streamline the permitting process. State departments are supposed to serve the people of the state. Customer service needs to be better.

Senate Bill 240 & 241: Changes when newly elected township officials officially begin their terms of office to better align with election administration timelines.
Passed: 105-0
Why I voted yes: These bills are necessary to ensure that the appropriate board of county canvassers has the time necessary to properly certify the results of local races.

House Bills 5819 through 5821: Updates reading instruction requirements and requires schools to use approved elementary reading curriculum materials.
Passed: 56-50, 56-50, 61-45
Why I voted yes: This legislation will ensure reading instruction is standardized and uniform across Michigan. Science of reading curriculums have a proven track record of increasing reading scores. We are near the bottom nationally in 3rd Grade reading and a change is obviously needed.

House Bill 5570: Allows 4 story apartment and condominium buildings to be built with a single exit stairway when they meet specific height, size, and fire safety standards.
Passed: 97-9
Why I voted yes: modern fire departments and advancements in fire resistant buildings have made the second exit stairway mandate obsolete on 4 story buildings.

House Bill 5571: Allows 6 story apartment and condominium buildings to be built with a single exit stairway when they meet specific height, size, and safety standards including fire suppression.
Passed: 81-2
Why I voted NO: Most fire departments do not have ladder trucks sufficient to reach the top of a 6-story building. Even with fire suppression (sprinkler system) I just didn’t think it was safe. Thank you to the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters for your feedback on this issue.

Senate Bill 301: Creates a tax credit for employers that provide paid leave to employees who donate an organ.
Passed: 98-8
Why I voted yes: this will help organ donations and could be the difference between life and death for someone.

House Bills 5123-5124: Update definitions and reporting requirements for video service providers.
Passed: 75-31, 83-23
Why I voted yes: this will prevent providers and customers from being charged franchise fees, while helping to prevent class action lawsuits. Less fees are a good thing.

House Bill 5995: Prohibits points from being added to a driver's record based on violations detected solely by automated traffic enforcement devices.
Passed: 106-0
Why I voted yes: it can be difficult to accurately identify who was driving the vehicle during automated traffic enforcement.

Pictures:
Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District joined me in Lansing for the ceremonial bill signing of HB 4556 which removed the Essay portion of the SAT. Thank you Steve and Marie for making the trip.

I was honored to be awarded the Michigan Pharmacists Association legislator of the year award. This is for the work we are doing to ensure rural Michiganders have access to health care.

Honored to be endorsed by the Detroit Regional Chamber. I'll pin a post with a list of my endorsements.

I attended the ceremonial groundbreaking at the Evart Housing Commission- Centennial Arms Apartments.

Last week, I posted a video about waiting until a child is an adult before having life changing surgery. The Cleveland Clinic has realized it was the responsible thing to do.

Ferris State University College of Pharmacy Dr. Michelle Kelly testified in Lansing on my legislation. HB 5985 regarding tuition reimbursement for Pharmacists in under served and rural areas.

I'll end with a story. I have a constituent in Hersey who was having problems with the Department of Treasury. We contacted them May 11th and were not getting a response. Multiple emails and multiple calls. Nothing. So, yesterday, we literally sat in their waiting room demanding to be seen. (I was curious if security would remove a Legislator from the building) They saw us and the issue was resolved! Once in a while we can get things moving.

It is budget season and I am optimistic we can get it done in June.

Please reach out with any comments, questions or concerns: [email protected] or call my office: 517-373-7317

Enjoy summer!

06/05/2026

Vote Report 6/5

House Bill 5650: requires the Attorney General to report to the Legislature when the expenses in a matter of litigation reach $250,000.
Passed: 58-47
Why I voted yes: the Attorney General has spent a ridiculous amount of money in losing political battles on behalf of the state. It is the duty of the Legislature to monitor the budget.

House Bill 4644: Allows golf carts on streets in certain municipalities.
Passed: 87-18
Why I voted yes: this makes sense for communities near golf courses and it is optional - each local area can make their own decision.

House Bill 5682: Allows an auction of a Pure Michigan hunting license.
Passed: 91-14
Why I voted yes: this will help raise money and give someone a great opportunity to hunt and fish. Other States do this and it has been successful.

House Bill 5831: Increases penalties for acts of terrorism and strengthens criminal penalties for individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses.
Passed: 74-32
Why I voted yes: terrorism is an incredibly serious crime that should be met with a serious sentence.

House Bills 5739 and 5740: Update the responsibilities of guardians and conservators and establish new requirements when certain assets are discovered during the administration of an estate or guardianship.
Passed: 106-0
Why I voted yes: ensuring that disclosure and court-ordered instructions come along with newly discovered high value property is key to ensuring wards of the court are not taken advantage of.

House Bill 5810: Requires school districts to administer the Presidential Fitness Test to help measure and promote student physical fitness.
Passed: 61-45
Why I voted yes: our country has become unhealthier than ever. Physical fitness and education should be encouraged.

House Bill 5520: requires third-grade students to be proficient in reading to be promoted to the fourth grade.
Passed 57-49
Why I voted yes: Michigan’s reading scores are some of the worst in the country and we need to make changes to help our students.

House Bills 4466-4468:
Passed: 57-48
Why I voted yes: These bills draw a line at 18 years of age. Developing children should not be receiving life altering transition procedures before they are fully aware of the consequences. These bills do not prohibit medically necessary procedures. Leave the kids alone. Please see my earlier video in another post for a more in depth conversation on this.

House Bill 6013: Requires monitoring and tracking out-of-state use of the Michigan bridge card.
Passed: 58-48
Why I voted yes: this data is already available and MDHHS refuses to use it.

House Bill 5812: Requires Michigan to seek federal approval before waiving SNAP work requirements and make related updates to how those requirements are implemented.
Passed: 58-48
Why I voted yes: a $4 Billion program should have oversight.

House Bill 5536: Updates Michigan's definition of a wetland to clarify which areas are subject to state wetland regulations.
Passed: 57-51
Why I voted yes: Michigan’s broader wetland definition may regulate areas not covered under federal law, creating confusion and compliance burdens for property owners.

House Bill 5557: Updates how air emissions are calculated and reported for environmental permitting and compliance purposes.
Passed: 58-50
Why I voted yes: the maximum amount of time for testing allows for deviations and inconsistencies to be accurately reported.

House Bill 5501: Allows wetlands to be relocated or replaced elsewhere within a development project under certain circumstances.
Passed: 57-51
Why I voted yes: Limiting financial assurance requirements to high-risk or delayed mitigation projects reduces unnecessary financial burdens on low-risk or small-scale developments, potentially encouraging compliance and investment.

House Bill 5498: Requires state agencies that issue permits to designate specific staff positions responsible for permit processing and oversight.
Passed: 57-51
Why I voted yes: this should help cut down on unnecessary staffing while also increasing workflow by having a subject matter expert issue permits.

Pictures:
Proud to be endorsed by:
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Michigan Freedom Network
Right to Life of Michigan

On Wednesday I testified with Gift of Life Michigan on HB 5338. This is my legislation and I'm proud we got it out of committee. My goal is to get it to the Senate this month.

I dropped off an 80th Anniversary Tribute to McGuire Chevrolet. They are a great part of our community. Thank you Clare Area Chamber of Commerce for sharing their accomplishments.

I was a guest speaker at the Detroit Regional Chamber policy conference on Mackinac Island. We discussed civility and bipartisanship. Here is the link if you have 15 minutes: https://youtu.be/zXJonjf0oEo?si=VUo-AJ7pXeVg-gM3

Enjoy this amazing weather. Reach out if you have any comments, questions or concerns: [email protected] or call my office: 517-373-7313

06/04/2026

Children cannot consent - permanent changes to their body should be delayed until they can make an informed decision.

05/27/2026

I'm still working to move HB 4421 through the Senate.
This was my floor speech from a few months ago.

05/25/2026

The riderless horse has always been striking to me. It personifies the sacrifice that was made for our freedom. It is absence made visible. Remember that today, and everyday.

05/22/2026

Vote report 5/22/26

House Bills 5504 and 5505: Create new state offices focused on digital services and technology oversight in government.
Passed: 57-46
Why I voted yes: as technology advances, we need to do our part to ensure security and transparency in all parts of government.

House Bills 5872 through 5879: Reform Michigan’s property tax system by changing how taxable value is calculated when property changes ownership, helping limit sudden tax increases for property owners. The package also requires utility companies to pass savings from certain tax reductions on to customers through lower rates.
Passed: 57-46
Why I voted yes: These are wide ranging property tax bills (some of which are not controversial) but the unifying goal is to make Michigan more affordable. We are not done, but it is a step in the right direction. I'm going to do a separate post on these bills because there is so much information here.

Senate Bill 304: Expands authority to regulate ferry services to and from Mackinac Island.
Passed: 91-16
Why I voted yes: this is in response to both ferry services being bought out and owned by the same company. This will also have to pass at the local level as it is a constitutional amendment affecting the charter of Mackinac Island.

House Bill 5552: Allows for prepayment penalties on certain mortgage loans made strictly for business purposes.
Passed: 81-26
Why I voted yes: Commercial entities are purchasing significant amounts of residential real estate, and these penalties should disincentivize that practice. It is optional for banks to do this.

House Bill 5150: Modifies respiratory therapist licensure by requiring continuing education, creating a limited license and adjusting scope of practice stipulations.
Passed: 103-3
Why I voted yes: continuing education requirements ensure that respiratory therapists maintain up to date knowledge and skills.

House Bill 5717: Allows township boards to hire outside, accredited election officials if the local township clerk and deputy clerks are unavailable to manage an election.
Passed 104-2
Why I voted yes: this will prevent chaos on election day if a clerk is unable to be there. I maintain that the Clerks have the toughest job in local government.

I am proud to have a 100% voting record for Michigan Farm Bureau. See the details for all legislators here:https://www.michfb.com/sites/default/files/2026-04/2026-vote-record-web.pdf

Last Saturday the City of Harrison, Michigan employees played the Clare County Employees in a charity softball game. This is an example of what makes mid Michigan so special. We are surrounded by people working to make the world a better place.

I couldn't make it to the inaugural Big Rapids Regional Chamber golf outing (we had session that day), but I was proud to help sponsor the event. Keep up the great work Sarah Dixon !

Two former Governors were in Lansing this week. Governor Rick Snyder is working on Education Policy. While Gov Engler is working on College board of regents election policy. Both are donating their time to make Michigan a better place.

Monday is Memorial Day - we are reminded to honor the military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces. I am not a Veteran, so I will not walk in a Memorial Day parade. I'll be attending multiple events in the area and encourage you to do the same. Take an hour out of your day and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Please reach out if there is anything we can help with. Comments, questions, or concerns: [email protected] or my office: 517-373-7317

On this Memorial Day, may God bless and comfort the families of our fallen heroes, and grant us all the grace to honor their ultimate sacrifice by cherishing and defending the freedom they died to protect.

05/15/2026

Vote Report 5/15/2026

I voted Yes on HB 4694 That adds additional powers for existing and future authorities established under the Recreation Authorities Act. Would amend NREPA to add ‘recreational authority’ to the definition of a local unit of government or public authority, to avoid an amendment by reference.
EXPLANATION: Expanding government powers under the Recreation Authorities Act helps better management of Michigan’s forests and outdoor recreational facilities.
PASSED: 103-2

I voted Yes on HB 5281 This would create a new act called the “Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency Act.” The act would establish new rules for third-parties who fund civil litigation in which someone else is the plaintiff.
EXPLANATION: Transparency! A semi underground business has developed in third party litigation funding. It should be public if a business has invested in a lawsuit and plans to share in the settlement.
PASSED: 60-45

I voted Yes on HB 5644 This would allow certified nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to sign a disabled individual’s application for a windshield placard, special registration plate, or free parking sticker.
EXPLANATION: Nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and occupational therapists work in close contact with people who may need handicapped parking. If a person meets the criteria for a handicapped designation, it is sensible that these health professionals may sign-off on the approval process.
PASSED: 105-0

I voted Yes on HB 5710 and 5711 These require prioritization of reliability and affordability when approving integrated resource plans. Would eliminate the clean and renewable energy portfolio standards.
EXPLANATION: Rolling back the disastrously burdensome Green New Scam policies will reduce government’s involvement in the energy sector. With rates continuing to rise, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of affordability, reliability, and overall effectiveness in energy generation portfolios. Instead of propping up ideologically driven targets, real-life circumstances that affect ratepayers should be prioritized. I could spend all day talking about how "feel good, but do nothing" laws are driving up our energy prices.
PASSED: 58-47, PASSED: 57-48

I voted Yes on HB 4551 That would transfer MCOLES from the State Police (MSP) budget to the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) budget.
EXPLANATION: The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) is the licensing body for the Michigan State Police (MSP). Transferring MCOLES from the MSP to LARA is reasonable because of its licensing function and less politically charged environment.
PASSED: 56-49

I voted Yes on HB 4839 that would direct MDHHS from covering a brand name drug under Medicaid if a generic is available, unless the prescriber specifies the prescription must be dispensed as written.
EXPLANATION: Brand name prescription drugs are more expensive than their generic counterparts. Since Michigan Medicaid includes pharmaceutical benefits, MDHHS should cover generic prescriptions to reduce financial burdens on taxpayers. This adjustment is projected to save between $50 million and $100 million annually. It was important to me that the brand name drug is still available if needed.
PASSED: 63-43

I voted Yes on HB 5329 and 5331 These would prohibit public entities from purchasing or acquiring drones containing software made or developed by entities listed on specified federal defense and sanctions lists. Would apply the federal restrictions and prohibitions on drone purchases and acquisitions to state agencies, universities, and community colleges that receive state or local government funding.
EXPLANATION: As a matter of security, public entities should not acquire or operate drones that are sourced from the federal banned entities list, which includes CCP agencies and affiliates. Taxpayer funding should not be spent on equipment that is likely compromised by a geopolitical rival with a strong interest in espionage.
PASSED: 57-49, PASSED: 57-45

I voted Yes on House Resolution #313 This requests that Jocelyn Benson to release all information in her possession related to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s operations, including any details concerning the organization’s alleged payments to individuals associated with extremist groups, and to publicly address her role in the organization.
EXPLANATION: Transparency! Secretary of State Benson started her career with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The SPLC was recently indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly funding extremist activities with donor dollars. For an organization that claims to fight “inequality,” the SPLC has funded its ideological enemies for what can only be assumed to be the purpose of inciting hatred and sowing division within our country. Secretary Benson has an obligation to the people of Michigan to be transparent about her involvement with this organization, especially given her ambitions for higher office. I find it interesting when my colleagues can bend their principals to justify hiding things.
PASSED: 56-50

I voted Yes on HB 5636 This would rename a portion of US-24 as the Deputy Claude Wilson Memorial Highway.
EXPLANATION: Dedicating a portion of US-24 to Deputy Claude Wilson is a meaningful way to honor his legacy of honorable service. I will always support our veterans and first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us.
PASSED: 104-0

I voted Yes on HB 4935 Which would enter Michigan into the Dental Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice in all member states through a compact privilege.
EXPLANATION: Licensing should be streamlined in Michigan to cut red tape and decrease administrative burdens on these occupations. Out-of-state dentists and dental hygienists would be more inclined to move here and work if our regulatory environment was greatly reduced.
PASSED: 94-10

I voted Yes on HB 4779 That would mandate the use of a surgical smoke plume evacuation system for certain surgeries.
EXPLANATION: Surgical smoke plume evacuation systems were invented as a free market solution to the problem of surgical smoke. Hospitals and surgical centers are able to purchase these devices if they wish to mitigate exposure to surgical smoke.
PASSED: 96-8

I voted Yes on HB 5797 That would allow a school district to waive instructional time due to certain conditions during the 2025-2026 school year.
EXPLANATION: Letting school districts adjust their calendar due to events beyond their control is good policy. I pushed for this to get through the House, so we can have the Senate act on it. If they don't get this done next week, it won't matter as the school year end is approaching.
PASSED: 99-5

I voted No on HB 5744 and 5745 These would create a new felony crime for intentionally discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle that the person knows or has reason to believe is occupied.
EXPLANATION: It is already illegal to fire a gun at a vehicle. More state laws and penalties will not make our streets safer, as current law can properly bring justice to these circumstances. Let's enforce what is already on the books.
PASSED: 79-24, PASSED: 75-28

I voted Yes on SB 729 That would amend the State Building Authority Act to exempt $421.3 million in bonds issued by the State Building Authority from counting against the existing statutory cap on authorized net total debt.
EXPLANATION: Exempting $421.3 million from the State Building Authority’s (SBA) current statutory cap creates a scenario in which state government would be able to authorize new capital outlay projects. If this money is exempted, the state will have a greater capacity to approve new projects. This would be comparable to refinancing your home to access the equity.
PASSED: 96-7

Pictures: Mid-Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters does a wonderful job for students and they came to a Lugnuts game in Lansing.

I'm proud to support the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office at their annual fundraiser. Not golfing for a year has not helped my game. Strange.....

This week was the 4th Annual bi-partisan softball game. The charity was the Boys and Girls Club. Not playing softball for a year has not helped my game. Alabas Farhat (D) and I started this event our first year in office. This does more than raise money for good causes - it helps to humanize the "other" side. After the game, we fed 75 people. I'll keep promoting opportunities for my colleagues to work with each other outside of the Capitol. One swing of the bat and my back decided we should cheer from the dugout.

I attended a round table discussion at Gateway Pharmacy of Clare with the Michigan Independent Pharmacy Association on accessibility and affordability.

Office hours Monday - Please see below for details. In the 41 months I have been in office, I have hosted more than 80 office hours. I've had them in the evening, on weekends, via Zoom and Facebook live, and of course in person. This week a Dem candidate posted that I was "afraid to meet with people". That's an interesting perspective.....

Please reach out if there is something I can help with: [email protected], or call my office: 517-373-7317

05/12/2026

This is my article published in the Detroit News today.

In an era when national politics often feel like a contact sport without helmets, some legislators in Michigan are quietly showing a better way. On May 13, Republican and Democratic lawmakers will step onto the field together — not in the Capitol, but at the fourth annual Legislative Softball Game for Charity.

Organized by Rep. Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn, and Rep. Tom Kunse, R-Clare, the event turns partisan rivals into friendly opponents for a few hours of good-natured competition. The goal is simple: raise money for a worthy Michigan charity while reminding the public that elected officials can disagree without being disagreeable.

The game will be at Secchia Stadium on the campus of Michigan State University, with the first pitch at 6 p.m. All are invited to cheer, tailgate and support the cause. Past games have drawn crowds and raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities such as City Rescue Mission, Ele’s Place and Leader Dogs for the Blind. This year’s beneficiary is the Boys and Girls Club, and it continues the tradition of backing organizations that strengthen Michigan families.

Come out, root for your favorite lawmakers (or against them) and watch democracy at its most approachable.

The softball diamond is more than a photo op. It is living proof that civility is not a weakness. On the field, you will see the same lawmakers who spar over budgets and policy sharing a laugh, high-fiving after plays and roasting each other after strikeouts. Republicans and Democrats will compete, but afterward they will shake hands, take a picture and head back to the Capitol knowing they can work together the next day. That spirit is exactly what Michigan needs right now.

The game may grab headlines, but a quieter, equally important effort is underway inside the Michigan Legislature to embed civility into how we govern. These are under-the-radar initiatives that rarely make news but are laying out the foundation for more productive lawmaking.

Earlier this year, Michigan’s four living former governors — Democrats Jim Blanchard and Jennifer Granholm alongside Republicans John Engler and Rick Snyder — stood together in Lansing to launch the Michigan Civility Coalition. Their message was blunt and bipartisan: lower the temperature and remember that policy disagreements do not have to become personal attacks.

Lawmakers are responding in practical ways. In a divided House and Senate, the 2025 session set a record low for new laws passed — yet it also produced meaningful bipartisan progress on kitchen-table issues such as school literacy, road funding and government transparency.

Bills to protect taxpayer dollars and reduce opportunities for political grandstanding moved forward with support from both sides of the aisle. Quiet conversations in committee rooms and hallways are replacing performative outrage. No single “civility bill” carries a flashy title, but the cumulative effect is real: fewer subsidies for special interests, more attention to shared priorities like literacy and mental health and a deliberate effort to model respectful debate for the next generation of leaders.

This matters beyond Lansing. Michigan faces high-stakes elections in 2026, including open seats for governor and U.S. Senate. If we want citizens to trust results and stay engaged, we must first show that our institutions can function without constant venom. The softball game and the coalition’s work are two sides of the same coin: visible camaraderie paired with sustained, unglamorous effort to restore decency to public life.

Critics may dismiss the game as a gimmick or the coalition as feel-good talk, but they are missing the point. In a state that once led the nation in forging tough bipartisan compromises — such as Proposal A school funding reform — civility is not nostalgia; it is a competitive advantage. When lawmakers treat one another as opponents rather than enemies, policy improves, trust rebuilds and Michigan wins.

So, please mark your calendar for the fourth annual Legislative Softball Game. Bring the kids. Donate if you can. Cheer loudly. Then hold your legislators accountable to carry that same spirit back to the Capitol. Michigan does not need more division. It needs more days like this ― where Republicans and Democrats prove common ground is not only possible, but worth celebrating, one inning at a time.

05/11/2026

I am humbled to be endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge of Michigan

05/07/2026

Big win: Reduced unnecessary testing in our schools. Putting students first!

Tom Kunse for State Representative

06/12/2026

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

05/27/2026

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

05/15/2026

05/12/2026

05/11/2026

05/07/2026

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