Will the Local Farmer Survive?

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Jul 31
2 min read

Michigan is one of the most productive farming states in the country. We are second only to California in variety of crops. The only reason we are not first is we cannot grow citrus.

But our farmers are drowning in regulations, taxes, and red tape that make no sense. Some of the most impractical rules in the entire country are right here in Michigan.

The average family now spends about 10% of their income on food. Prices keep climbing right along with gas prices. The farmer is struggling. The family is struggling. And few people in Lansing seem to notice that food security is national security.

Fertilizer costs are up. Equipment and repair costs are up. Property taxes are up. Farm labor is harder to find every year. Farmers cannot run their operations without reliable help, and this shortage puts our entire food supply at risk.

I have not been sitting back waiting for this to change. I have been pushing back against these harmful regulations every single day, standing up for the people who feed our state, and I will keep fighting for them in the Michigan Senate.

I sponsored legislation to protect Michigan farmland from foreign adversaries like China. I have fought to reduce burdensome regulations and hold unelected bureaucrats accountable. I led efforts to provide relief from costly permitting requirements that hit farmers and food processors the hardest. I consistently support local control, property rights, and policies that keep Michigan agriculture strong and competitive.

I am proud to be the only candidate in this race endorsed by the Michigan Farm Bureau. I have earned a 100% voting record fighting to protect Michigan farmers, agriculture, and our rural communities, and that is not something I take lightly.

As your state senator I will keep fighting to put farmers in the room when new regulations are written. I will fight against shutting down Line 5. I will fight against gas tax hikes that hurt every trucker and every farmer moving equipment and product.

Farmers do not ask for much. They ask for a fair shot to make a living doing the work that feeds all of us.

So next time you see a tractor on the road, slow down, wave, and if you can, roll down your window and say thank you. Their margins are thin but their contribution to our lives is enormous.

I am Gina Johnsen. I currently serve as state representative for the 78th district and I am running for state senate in the 33rd district. I will always stand up for the farmer and the family. I would love to hear directly from you, especially if you farm here in Michigan..

You can reach me at gina@ginaformichigan.com or 517.775.1637 or visit www.ginaformichigan.com

Absentee ballots are available now. Election day is August 4th. Your vote can be the difference.