FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joel Johnson: 989-386-7027,
Ben Frederick, Campaign Manager: 989-323-1224
Rep. Joel Johnson Announces Candidacy
Jobs, Economic Renewal Remain Top Goals
In a series of campaign stops today, State Rep. Joel Johnson announced that he will be seeking a second term as 97th District Representative. The 97th District will take in parts of Osceola County and the entirety of Clare, Gladwin, and Arenac Counties.
“Throughout my term in office, I have sought to make state government more effective and efficient,” Johnson said. “Hardworking taxpayers are struggling. They deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely. At the same time, I’ve looked to eliminate job-killing regulation while restoring the government’s proper role within the framework of our constitution.”
Johnson considers his bill that eliminated lifetime healthcare benefits for himself and future lawmakers as his top achievement this term. Given that lawmaker pensions had been eliminated in the late 90’s, Johnson’s reform means that he and future lawmakers will no longer receive ongoing benefits from the state when retired. Johnson also insisted that lawmakers be included in measures that capped taxpayer liability for state healthcare plans, supported a 10% cut to his own salary, and implemented a nearly 20% reduction in his office staff and supplies budget.
“We have asked for sacrifices from our public workers,” Johnson noted. “We as lawmakers must be willing to live under the same policies we ask of them. This means leading by example.”
A longtime grain elevator manager from Clare, Johnson sits on the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Insurance committees, where he has had a role in shaping policy measures over the past year. He expressed a particular appreciation for the level of contact area residents have maintained with his office.
The "Johnson Brigade", Clare Irish Festival on St. Patrick's Day
Thanks for all who came out to help!
A short message from Joel.